may, already?

I double checked the calendar.  It was not a dream, it really is May.  I did not realize how fast April slipped through my fingers.  With the unseasonably cold weather, the winding down of the school year, and the presumably premature gardening, April escaped me as quickly as those pesky little dandelion seeds that blow through the yard if I even give them a sideways glance. 
So it's May.  For me it begins with bleach and Lysol, because although we made it through the entire winter season without so much as a cold, it seems that during our very last kid-gathering time at church for the season we managed to bring some lovely stomach virus germs. 
You know, when people talk about becoming parents it's all cute baby clothes, stylish strollers, tiny shoes, and teething.  Then, once you get past all of the unsolicited parenting advice, no one ever mentions being up in the middle of the night for hours with this child your brought into the world, holding her hair back and swabbing her forehead with a cool washcloth, all the while trying to keep yourself from heaving.  Yes, it was one of those nights.  And, honestly, as much as I despise that part of being a mom because it makes me anxious and worried, I also love it.  I love knowing that God knows.  He hears my pleas for mercy on this sweet child of mine.  She may be feeling better as I type these words, but I know the reality is that this is likely far from over.  She knows that, too.  So with a joyful heart she sips a drink and nibbles some food and watched a funny show with her sister.  Choosing joy.  That's the ticket.  Choosing joy isn't always easy, that's why it's a choice.  Being miserable is easy, anyone can do that.  But a heart trusting in God's sovereign ways, mercy, and grace...it makes choosing joy easy. 
Proverbs 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.