Make Me Smile Monday

On Saturday R had her birthday party. We went with a Candyland theme. Some of you have maybe seen some pictures on Facebook, but I'm posting a few pictures here too, just in case you haven`t seen any. :) (I won't be posting pictures with any of our guests though, since this blog is public.) I was so happy to see the kids having fun and was even happier when at the end of the day R was still talking about how much fun her party had been.

Have you picked up on the fact that I enjoy throwing birthday parties? Even though there's a lot of planning involved, I really enjoy the entire process. From helping my children decide on a theme to seeing my "vision" through to completion. Theme's are certainly not necessary and of course my children would have just as much fun at their birthday party without one, but they're also rather quick to pick up on the excitement since this really is just a part of who I am. 

The reason I'm bringing this up is quite simple. There have been times in the past when during the excitement of planning (of other birthday parties) I have been confronted with unusual reactions from people. Reactions that made me feel embarassed by the enjoyment I have in being true to the way God made me (even in something as seemingly insignificant as the planning of my children's birthday parties). For a while I allowed it to impact me negatively. I pulled back a bit and downplayed this aspect of who I am.

Until I began to remember all of the incredible interests and passions of so many people surrounding me. Some love to take pictures, some love to cook, some decorate, some sew or crochet and I look at them and their creations and I'm in awe. Can I be completely candid? I could allow for just a hint of jealousy to mingle in there with my amazement and admiration but I've discovered there's so much more joy to be found in being truly and competely happy and excited for them.

I'm learning to embrace the person God has made me and to truly relish the things that bring me joy. I could compare myself to others and lament them being more creative or more talented than I am. Because honestly, I would not have a hard time finding people to compare myself to negatively to. But why bother?

I guess I want to encourage you not to hold back in fear of what other people think. And not to allow any jealousy to creep in and taint the enjoyment you get out of other people's creative interests and passions. Remember that you have your own unique interests and passions and the world will be a better place as we learn to embrace not only our own but each others!



P.S. A few "proud mom moments": seeing S sincerely share in her younger sisters excitement even though it wasn't her day (this time) and R giving some of her presents to S simply because she wanted to. Seriously! I wasn't sure what to think at first, but I certainly don't want to discourage a giving heart.... :)