Did you ever do that thing where you take a step back and sort of look at your life from a bit of distance, like an impartial observer?

In the ongoing saga that is the summer break with the children home, I started to observe a bit of a pattern. And it wasn’t a pattern that was making me smile particularly so today I decided to try things a little differently.

But first, the pattern.

In a bid to get anything done, I’d gotten into the habit of working first thing in the morning, in my pyjamas with a cup of tea, before breakfast or anything. Nothing wrong with that you might think.

But what if ‘early morning first thing’ stretched to 10 or 11am? And before you know it, it’s noon and no one is even dressed yet?

Part of me loves the entrepreneurial stereotype of working in your PJs but if I’m honest, a bigger part of me likes to be fresh faced, showered and feeling fab. I also don’t like working on an empty tummy!

So this morning I got up, chatted with my youngest about whatever empire he was building that day, made a cuppa, shower, breakfast with the children, coffee. All very civilised and relaxed and, totally stress free.

It was lush!

And yes, it means I’m slightly later to my desk and yes, I’ve not crossed off a plethora of to-dos yet but you know what? It’s only 10am and the day already feels fabulous!

I was reminded yesterday of the need to take time to stop and look around and really appreciate what’s good about life.

It’s great to have dreams and ambitions. I talk to you often about this amazing person God created you to be.

But you know what? He made you to just be you, on a day to day basis. He doesn’t need you rushing around, constantly pushing and striving. (And yes, I’m talking to myself as much as anything!)

If it’s all about the destination, you’re going to miss the joy of the journey.

So today, take time to just be.

Take a step back, observe. Be interested. Keep your eyes open.

As Ferris Bueller would remind us,

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

Here’s to keeping our eyes, wide open with wonder.