Together is better...

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...it just is.A couple of months ago I attended an evening with an author at the Rosemont Theater in Illinois. I went with a group of friends to hear Glennon Doyle Melton, Sophia Bush, and many other inspiring women speak. I left with this coffee mug and an inspired mind.This post is not about all the wonderful inspiration I gained that evening - partially because there was way too much to share in one post, but mostly because I have a horrible memory and can't form any coherent thoughts regarding it. No, this post is about why, in my humble opinion, together is better.I'd like to start with my husband, Rob. It is so easy to take for granted his presence and all that he does on a daily basis for me and our children. Our days are busy and our time alone is sparse, but it is so precious and valuable. When we are together I feel happy, safe,brave, joyful, loved, secure, and at peace. Even if I only get to see him in passing, those few moments we get  we take full advantage of. I've learned that even amidst a crazy/busy life with 4 children, Rob and I are a team, we are together in this. There is absolutely no one I'd rather be together with than Rob. Together is better.I'm feeling particularly patient and calm right now (there hasn't been much bickering among them this evening), so I'll move on to my children. This is a funny one, and I think many moms would agree...when my children are home all day for more than 2 days in a row, they DRIVE ME CRAZY. I literally can't wait to get them out the door to school (can I get an amen for all the AMAZING teachers out there?!?!). Then a funny thing happens. The house is quiet and I feel as though I have some breathing space to just be me...and then I start evaluating 'me' and think about how I could be a much better mom and I just wish my kids would come home because maybe they're not really that crazy, maybe I'm just not being patient enough and they're feeding off of my frenzy. I come up with creative ways to instill kindness, caring, and manners in my children. I am ready to rock this whole mothering thing as soon as I pick them up from school!! Moms, are you laughing yet? You know how this all ends, don't you? Let's just say, as soon as they get in the van I have to move on to plan B...otherwise known as, pass the torch to Rob.All joking aside, I really do love my children. I really do love spending time with them. I really do feel that separately we're all pretty good, but together we are spectacular. I know God chose us to be a family because He knows that we belong together. Watching them learn or 'get' something for the first time brings me so much joy. Playing a game (void of whining) makes my heart feel full. Knowing they need me and seek love and comfort from me makes me feel fulfilled. As a family, we are complete and when we are together, we are better.Each of us brings to this world something that only we can contribute. You were gifted a purpose in life and the best thing you can do with that purpose is share it with the people around you. We might live in one small corner of the world, but together, if we are all putting our best foot forward, it will have the ripple effect. There is strength in numbers...we need to work together. The ball is in our court. Are we going to divide and conquer (aka, every person for themselves) or are we going to join forces and work together (unity).Family...better together.Friends...better together.Community...better together.State...better together.Country...better together.World...better together.It just is.