I read a great article from Mother of a Hubbard today that really spoke to me. Here on the internet, it is so easy, and really kinda necessary, to present our selves and our situations in the best light possible while still being real (at least I try to be real).

But all you ever see is half the story. The good side. After the mess has been cleaned up – or at least hidden from view.

I, on the other hand, have to live with the other half as well. I have to live with the messes and tantrums and stress of not having enough time in the day. And sometimes, it seems that the other half – that oh, so messy half – is closer to the whole than a half.

But then beauty happens. And when beauty happens, I feel the urge to share that with everyone. So, all you ever see is the best picture out of the 20 I took. Or the fun times. Or the happy, helpful kids. Or the successes in the garden. Because, who really wants to talk (or read) about the not-so-fun stuff anyway?

But you know what?

Even though there are times that are messy and chaotic with dishes piling up in the sink, poopy diapers which need to be changed, chicken coops needing to be cleaned, children waiting to be taught, all-natural DIY everything to be made, gardens to be tended, family and friends to cook for and spend time with, etc, etc, etc – it is still so very much worth living this lifestyle.

Because beauty happens. All you have to do is look for it.

And suddenly, the other half of life – that oh, so messy half – tends to not seem quite so large afterall.
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Just a few things over the last week which have been beautiful.

And just as a small insight to what you see online, here’s the picture I eventually posted on Facebook a couple days ago.

But in order to get that one picture, there were many that looked like this….

And this…

And even this…

Or this…

Because, let’s face it, a 2 year old is not a very good photographer.

But then again, considering it was my 2 year old taking the pictures, maybe they are beautiful after all. Thus why I have such a hard time deleting them. 😉

Maridy

“I lift up my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121