Yesterday was one of those days that was bound to be challenging from the time my feet hit the ground in the morning. Upon coming downstairs to make the morning coffee, I smelled that odor that makes you cringe and hope beyond hope that it isn’t what you think it is. I looked toward Molly’s cage and found the dog, the carpet, and the walls covered with poop. The next hour was spent cleaning.

Later, I put my bagel in the toaster like usual, only to find that the toaster was filling the kitchen with smoke.

After completing most of our school work, we came upstairs from the basement for a break to find that the dog had had another accident. Out came the Resolve and bleach. Again.

Between crying children and a stubbed toe and other minor-incidents-that-don’t-seem-minor-at-the-time, I was just about ready to break.

But I was reminded of something during Bible class with the boys. We were talking about the fact that God speaks to us through His creation, and we read Psalm 19.

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.

There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.

Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.

After reading these words, it was clear that the perfect remedy for our rotten circumstances was a trip to the Arboretum, where we could appreciate God’s creation. The best way to rise out from feeling the burden of trials is to think about God!

So we threw together some sandwiches in preparation for our impromptu picnic in nature.

Ruthie enjoyed watching her brothers run.

And she also enjoyed having some freedom to roam and climb.

I marveled at the sweet little feet God made. Those pudgy toes are just irresistible.

Da boys.

Then it was time for the obligatory taking off of the shoes and wading in the creek.

Little Miss Swimmer was not content for long just sitting on the rock with only her feet in the water. She tried a few times to dive in.

Before we left, we observed a squirrel preparing for the long winter. This guy had some strong teeth!

Thank You, Lord, for your creation that proclaims the work of Your hands.