
When I stopped to snap these pics (which took maybe five seconds a piece), I kept checking my rear-view to make sure no cars were coming. I had this horrible image of being crashed into and Will getting hurt. That has been happening a lot lately. My imagination seems to be running wild since becoming a mom. The other day, I was walking down our street over a creek and saw a red food wrapper stuck in the rocks with some other refuse. Instead of lamenting the litter, I immediately imagined Will lunging out of his stroller to his death to get the wrapper. (He loves all things crinkly and crunchy that are not actual toys right now.) I'm guessing this is a normal mom thing...right? Worry. Don't we normally think of moms as worriers? Isn't it actually a helpful quality of a mom? That maternal instinct?
No. I refuse to buy into that idea. I refuse to let the worry take over my heart. I have no room for it. I will be vigilant. I will be alert, but I will not worry. John 14:27 says, "Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." My strength as a mom comes not from myself and my worries but from God. I am so thankful for the peace and joy that fills my heart. My peace and my joy make me a much better mom than all the worrying in the world. So don't worry, be happy. Be healthy. Be peaceful. Be strong.
Also, do you see the three little calves lounging in the sun? So peaceful. Happy cows come from Illinois too.