It had been a good afternoon. No time-out chair. Hardly any toddler tears. Dinner was being prepared. John came in and after 5 minutes, something like this thought sneakily skittered across my mind: If John would do this, I’d be happier.

And what chased it was a word from God: No, you wouldn’t. You don’t need him to be or act perfectly what you think you need to be okay. I am that for you.

Wow. Exhale. Contentment. Gratitude. Freedom to love, to offer attention, even if I was tired.

A seed planted that I trust God will continue to water.

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.