Today, I have a date. There won’t be flowers or wine or fancy food. The picnic basket will be filled with sodas, chips, water – and sweet potatoes and applesauce. A stray or two may come along.
The music won’t be romantic, and I won’t wear a flowing dress.
But the date will be perfect. Because it will remind me who I am – and whose I am.
I am wife, Scooby, June Bug, Sweet Pea.
I am mom, mommy, mother (said in a deep, affected voice with a smile).
I am Gigi.
I am loved. Without condition. Regardless of what I do.
I am chosen. A pearl of great price. A princess, really.
Today, I’ll not listen to the whispers of “you need to be a somebody to count for something.” Today, I’ll not surrender to the pressure of needing to find my place or make my voice louder in this world. Today, I’ll walk away from finding the perfect words or the perfect picture to capture the perfect moment.
Today, I’ll simply rest in the beauty of being on a date with God and my family. Today, I’ll rest in the beauty of being alive.