what a playdate taught me about life...

{Olivia and her best-friend}

It's funny isn't it? How we're supposed to be the one's teaching them; yet more often than not- God uses them to teach us invaluable truths??

That's exactly what happened to me a couple of weeks ago.  It was a low-key day. I think it was a Thursday. We had a morning play date planned with 2 of our besties. Normally I'm that mom. You know the one. The mom who always has her hair fixed and face on. The mom that insists on my and Olivia's outfits being just.so. Only a handful of people have ever seen me without make up.

Photo proof: This picture is from March 23, 2010- and I just happen to be delivering a baby at this exact moment. 

I don't mean to sound braggy- do I sound braggy? I have a point I promise. Stick with me.

Anyway, back to the play date...

Make up and hair don't hold up so well on a 90 degree day in June spent pool side. So, I didn't do my make up. Not even the eyeliner.  And I sloppily threw my and Olivia's hair up in a "bun." And you know what? It didn't make a bit of difference. Olivia still had a blast and I still got to spend some QT with a dear dear friend. And no one cared that my complexion isn't flawless, and that I had a few hairs out of place. 

The important thing was that I was there. Living my life, right where I was. Because as James 4:14 says:  

"How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog- it's here for a little while, then it's gone."

I'm learning that things don't have to be perfect to glorify Him. The Lord does not call me to be the best dressed mommy {thank goodness.} He does not call me to spend time in the bathroom, fretting over those "baby bangs." However, He does call me to be present in my life. And to be the kind momma, wife and friend that shows His love to those around me. 

Olivia just turned 27 mo. last Saturday. Friends, I have blinked and my 6lb 14oz baby girl is a laughing, running, talking, potty-trained toddler. Her first year I worked way too much, and missed even more. I can't bare to let even another moment go without praise. He has blessed me more than I could ever deserve. And that morning fog? I can feel it fading a little bit every day.