This weekend my hubby and I spent some time doing some projects around the house - small repairs, cleaning out, working in the shed, etc. I recalled several years ago when I was struggling with the fullness and pace of our days with 3 young kiddos amid sleepless nights, and I was desperate to simplify. As I dealt with insomnia and looking for relief, I began reading more (in the middle of the night) about minimalism and it has prompted a journey for our family, a journey still very much in its infancy. I’m thankful for all we have learned and are leaning into. A few years ago as I read about minimalism I was very focused on the “removing” part. I wanted to remove anyTHING that stole my time and energy away from my people. I think I even wanted to remove general chores and maintenance in general. To not HAVE to spend time occasionally clearing out the shed, or putting away toys. A tiny house seemed enviable in some ways. Ha!

But back to the cleaning out this weekend with hubs. Where my mind settled was the beautiful day we were enjoying as we worked, our hands busy. That we have this yard to care for that our children play hard in, that over the years I have had the privilege of engaging in some serious dirt therapy - planting and weeding and mulching and watering - all hard work, but with great reward and lovely cut flowers that fill our home for many months of the year….hence the shed full tools that require maintenance and care. I’m thankful for this perspective that has surfaced. Nothing like a pandemic to really drive it home as our schedule is completely cleared out and we strive to make do without quick runs to the store or multi-weekly amazon orders. That presence together, even in the midst of the mundane is beautiful.