Childlike Simplicity

When I think of ordinary, the word simplicity comes to mind. The saints always have a way of drawing our eyes to Him in such a beautiful way. They also have a way of breaking down the craziness of life in a way that makes sense to my little mama heart that so much yearns to be better.

Oh Jesus, my Love, may my heart be consumed in loving Thee; make me humble and holy; give me childlike simplicity; transform me into thy holy love. O Jesus, life of my life, joy of my soul, God of my heart, accept my heart as an altar, on which I will sacrifice to Thee the gold of ardent charity, the incense of continual, humble and fervent prayer, and the myrrh of constant sacrifices! Amen.

-St. Paul of the Cross

St. Paul of the Cross, with his prayer, shares such beauty. In the words he strung together so many years ago he puts humility, holiness, simplicity, joy, rejoicing, sacrificing, and love together in a way that makes me want to embrace my little ordinary with more fervency, prayer, and joy. Although, I don't think my simplicity or ordinary looked anything like his, I know there are still ways that St. Paul's goodness can help bring this mama some perspective.

"Look mama! I found a big one!!!"

This prayer filled with wisdom has shed some light on my today is that he asks for childlike simplicity. There is a beautiful simplicity in my boys. In fact, my tendency to not relish in the simple goodness that surrounds us is part of what can make my days harder than they need to be. If I were to take more time to see the world through their sweet, young eyes, I think my heart would be filled more with the kind of joy that I am constantly trying to live.

Linus walked up to me and handed me with this. After he placed this little petal in my hand he nodded and walked away. My heart melted. It's the first time he's given me a little flower. So glad I was able to capture this moment.

May my heart be consumed in loving Thee, St. Paul of the Cross prays. Childlike gestures of love just fill me and teach me. Linus didn't know how incredibly wonderful he would make me feel by doing what he did. He just did it. He picked up this sweet petal and walked over to me. While he was nodding I could here the words It is good. run through my head. It is so good and sweet to give. To love. To share. So glad he did so with me today in this sweetly simple and incredibly special way. Consider me consumed by this sweet gesture. Consumed and praying that I can imitate it in love for my family and Him.

Transform me into thy holy love, St. Paul of the Cross continues. Today the boys gave me a tidbit of time to know Him more. They gave me this time while they were relishing in each other. I love my time outside with the boys. But, at the very same time, I also am so grateful for the relationship they are growing into. Today was the first time outside that they just ran about exploring together. Laughing. Running. Throwing sticks. Sliding. Digging. And more. All incredibly simple things that lit their faces with the most beautiful smiles. And as much as I love running around with them and doing all the things that my boys love to do while outside, I enjoyed the little time they lent me to do some reading.

These boys. They teach me about simple, ordinary, goodness every day. And, it is good.

How have the saints or your family ordinarily blessed you today?

Linking up with Gina over at Someday Saints for Embrace the Ordinary.