I got an invitation.  Nothing fancy.  It came last night about twelve hours in advance.  My mind quickly raced.  Do I have anything going on at 8:00 tomorrow morning?

This morning I rolled out of bed and stumbled down the stairs.  While I preheated the oven, I covered two slices of bread with mayonnaise making sandwiches for the girls' lunch.

I pulled Rylie's hair back into a ponytail while ordering Hayden to get started eating his breakfast and shouting for Hallie to get downstairs.

I quickly inspected backpacks for completed homework and ensured my initials were on all the correct lines.  Still in need of a shower I scarfed down a cinnamon roll that had the perfect combination of soft with extra icing.

And then I thought.

I'm in no way dressed for a breakfast date.  Mascara made raccoon eyes from the day before were on my side. I don't have nearly enough time to get ready.

Still I raced to the shower determined to get dressed in record-breaking time, Jason asked and I'm going.

Full of excuses I countered that I wasn't even hungry. I had that cinnamon roll....  I'd much rather have lunch.... or breakfast another day when I have more time to make myself presentable..... when I've allowed myself to get good and hungry.

Just go I told myself.

And I went.

Jason and I had grits and eggs at a quaint little cafe;  me without my hair fixed. I didn't have my usual announcements of upcoming kid events prepared.  I had no funny moments to share of yesterday's afternoon with the kids; no worries to tell.  I went without that excitement that my grumbling belly would soon be filled with my favorite food.

And surprisingly I was satisfied.  More than satisfied.  My day has taken on a new brightness because of that hour-

without many words being spoken,

without a jumpstart on the house,

without my painted on face,

with ragged hair,

with eggs and grits,

with my man

simply WITH.

At the end of our $7.00 breakfast I smiled as I flipped over our ticket and read these words:

 

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,    

 that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

 -Psalm 90:14

 

And so it goes with God.

A picture of us with my hair less ragged and painted on face

Don't forget about the longstanding invitation for Thursdays- "A Thursday for Your Thoughts".  There's an invitation with your name on it.  Send me your story or come back and be a part of someone else's.

I'd love to hear from you in comments or email- kristiburden@gmail.com