Weekends are glorious. Mostly because my handsome husband is home! Jake’s job requires quite a bit of time during the week, but Saturday and Sunday are all about quality family time. I take a big exhale and relax knowing that we get to take care of the kids and enjoy them together.
A typical Saturday for us includes a family breakfast, playing with Baylen while the girls take their morning nap, a late morning trip to the gym, followed by a few errands, and then home in time to get the kids down for their afternoon naps. The rest of the day is usually spent hanging around close to home, which likely includes a trip to the neighborhood park. Then we eat supper, something that ideally requires me to do no cooking. And like every other night, all the kids are in bed by 7:30 and Jake and I get to hang out the rest of the evening.
As we enjoyed our time together yesterday, the Lord reminded me how blessed we are to have Jake as the head of our household. He does so much for our family, and in the midst of the craziness it can be easy for me not to appreciate him enough. I can be critical if he doesn’t do something the exact way I do with the kids, and unfortunately he is the first person I snap at when I get stressed. But yesterday, I was in sincere awe of him. He loves us so much, and he serves us constantly. He has an intense and demanding job, but doesn’t let it get the best of him. He provides for us. We are his priority. I love watching him love our kids. A Father’s love is special, and unlike anything else. He can bring smiles to their faces in ways only he can. He sees each of them uniquely for who they are, intentionally affirms them and reminds them everyday of how much he loves them.
I am very fortunate to have a husband who demonstrates in the flesh some of the qualities God promises us about Himself. Obviously Jake is still human and needs grace like the rest of us, but the way He loves certainly helps me see a glimpse of the incredible love our Heavenly Father has for us. 
Our Heavenly Father’s love is unlike anything else. Only HE can love us unconditionally and only He can bring us true joy. He does so much for us, but unfortunately, just as I do with Jake, oftentimes I get too caught up with the chaos of life and don’t truly appreciate and stand in awe of GOD’S LOVE for me. The Lord chooses to love me, a broken sinner who doesn’t deserve anything. He loves me no matter what, and nothing can ever separate me from that love.
Dads are irreplaceable. Let’s appreciate the men in our lives. Give your husband an extra kiss today and whisper sweet somethings in his ear.
Most importantly, let’s appreciate our Heavenly Father, who deserves endless recognition and praise! His love for us is extravagant, and He is more than enough for us in any situation!
Thank you, Lord, for slow weekends that make it easier to see who you are in the ordinary moments. Please help me to appreciate Jake and to appreciate YOU!
Amber
*This post is part of a 31 Day Challenge to write about Seeing God in Ordinary Moments. Visit my landing page here for links to all the posts.
P.S. For more reflections on parenthood and life, follow us on Facebook (Hun Let’s Run) and on Instagram: @ambermariekuiper and @jakekuiper! We’d also love for you to subscribe to our Hun, Let’s Run Podcast! For more info about joining our fitness community as a customer or coach, please email us at amber@mommysmetime.com!
