Sometimes life can be frustrating. Sometimes the simplest tasks can seem impossible. Add in a couple of small children and you can almost guarantee that things will not always go the way you planned.  Is this a problem? Sometimes yes, but sometimes whether or not it is a problem or not all depends on your attitude about it.

This morning it became pretty apparent going to the grocery store just wasn’t working out. I try to go before the weekend, I like to have food in the house so we are ready for anything that pops up. Plus the weekend crowds can be a nightmare. So today is Friday, I had it all planned. My list corresponding perfectly with my carefully crafted meal plan. I already made sure the refrigerator was emptied of things that needed to go to make room for the new stuff to go in.  But as the morning continued I knew my careful planning couldn’t stop real life from popping up. The baby is teething and needs to be held, the toddler who is usually very busy wants to cuddle up. Sweet moments that were getting mixed in with the frustration that often accompanies plans gone wrong.    But why? I am fortunate enough to have been able to take a step back and decide to focus on what really matters.

I didn’t really need to go to the store. I wanted to, I would surely need to before the weekend was over, but I didn’t have to today. I have food in my house, maybe not everything I wanted to have, but everything I needed. What’s more important today? Stocking the fridge or staying in and giving the littles the extra love that they so obviously need today. I surrendered my day to them.

It made me stop and think about how many other moments in life would be better with a simple attitude adjustment. Even the saying I don’t have everything I want but I have everything I need could stand for a little improvement. How about I have everything I need and I’m truly blessed?  Having everything you want is a matter of perspective. How about wanting everything you have? Imagine how much happier you’d be.

Today as a welcome reminder to me that most frustrations can be eliminated with a simple attitude adjustment.

Dirty dishes mean my family ate a good meal.

A basket full of laundry means we have plenty of clothes to wear.

A mess of toys means my children have been playing, someday an empty living room will mean they’ve moved on.

I’m tired today because last night my baby needed me more than I needed sleep.

My coffee may be cold, but it still tastes good .