Mondays Maid Simple:Beauty is fleeting

So as you know from my previous post we had a wonderful family getaway at a serene Big Bear Lakefront cabin and loved every minute of it, well almost every minute of it. I failed to mention one minor detail, well kind of major actually, my HIVES! Before our trip I was still dealing with a reaction from (no idea) from the weekend before. They seemed to be spreading to a new place everyday and I was beyond frustrated with the thought of having them during our vacation, I mean hello NO PICTURES WHEN I'M UGLY PLEASE! I think my exact words to Micah were "Umm, if these hives don't subside before we leave I don't want to go ugly." See I'm not vain, not the slightest.

gotta get me one of these mmm-kay

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Not only were they awful looking but extremely uncomfortable. It was the Itchy & Scratchy show over here. Well hives and all we still went on our vacation and upon our arrival the situation went from bad to OHMYGAWD I LOOK LIKE A MUTATED CHIPMUNK! Like no joke. I woke up Friday morning and could barely see out of my eyes. My whole body was sore and I couldn't figure out why until I walked into the bathroom to wash my face and BAM staring back at me was a disaster. I didn't even wash my face I walked over to Micah and let him know I was going to Urgent Care to fix this mess so we could still enjoy the rest of the trip. I woke up Vernon, fed him and was well on my way to a hopeful recovery.
One hour and one steroid shot later and then back to relaxation.
So here is the thing. The hives didn't get better. In fact I became swollen all over and was hideous all weekend. I wasn't in pain (thanks to the shot) but I was painful to look at. But in all my hideousness life went on. It proceeded to be the best vacation I have ever been on, lumps and all.
I realized my dog loved me, babies loved me, my husband loved me and my God loves me no matter how gross I looked. There was no reason to worry about getting done up when all we were doing was loving and cuddling. It was a real eye opener for me because I realize that is basically everyday life for me. Raising my loves is my life. I don't have to get dressed and done up for an office job anymore, I can just be me in pj's with unbrushed hair and my kids will still love me.

(Micah if you're reading this post, I want this...bad)

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Now don't get me wrong. I love everything pretty. I love getting dressed up and putting on make-up to go out but I realize now that it isn't important as other things. Instead of rushing to get my face on to run a quick errand, I can take my time getting the babes ready and not be all frazzled. Instead of trying to get cute to go play at the park I will just wear what is easiest to play in for my kids. I needed this "transformation" weekend as a wake up call. While there is nothing wrong with wanting to look pretty I need to make sure it's in balance. There is a time and place and cleaning house and being a mom isn't one of them. Well sometimes it is. But seriously, do you get what I'm saying? It is so easy to get caught up in the idea society is shoving down our throats to be "HOT" all the time even in motherhood that true beauty can get lost along the way.
My tip today is not a make-up or household tip but one of the heart. Check it.
I bet we can have a lot easier day or even week if we stop and really check our hearts. Before you start putting so much time and effort into your looks this week why not give a friend a call, write a sweet note to someone, take time to love on your kids, take time to talk with your husband, sign up for that volunteer gig you been putting off, help someone in need, pray for your friends, family & country... the list can go on and on. Remember that taking time to be a better person is worth far more than taking time to be pretty. Physical beauty will fade over time, but true beauty (virtue) is timeless.

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Proverbs 31:30 "Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."