June.

June was mercy.

Quiet days at home — slow mornings, sitting in the sunshine reading, noticing wildflowers, planting a belated garden for the kids, long walks with my husband.

An endless stream of kids in and out of the door, sticky floors and dripping freeze pops, days spent in the backyard playing in the water and sun.

Little ones ever beside me and in front of me…a train full of questions that huffs behind me all day long.

Toys and books on every surface — and that’s all right because it means they’ve been bored and found a reason to imagine and play.

Sitting on the back porch with friends, sipping iced coffee, talking…really talking like there is nowhere else to be and nothing else to do.

A special dinner with friends — laughing and celebrating.

The ocean with friends — sand and shore, endless treasures gathered and curated by my daughter — creepy crab legs are her latest prize possession.

Closing out the night by a campfire, watching the kids run and play outside after dark.

A week of summer camp — five sleeps away from home and a million prayers from momma. Coming home tan, bruised, exhausted and happy with endless stories to tell.

Cousins who are friends. Watching them grow up together…remembering how crazy it was when they were all babies and toddlers at the same time.

Yes, June was mercy. Sometimes it’s good to sit down for a minute and remember how much you enjoy all the precious people in your life; that’s what June did for me. I’m thankful for a quieter month to spend at home together just enjoying summer and each other.