Touchstone

Today I am thankful for a God who loves us so much that He's willing to just keep reminding me how much He loves me and that He will always provide.  Today I am also thankful that my kids got to see exactly what we mean when we tell them that God always provides.

The week started out a bit rough.  Dr. D's bike was stolen from our front yard.  Since it's his primary mode of transportation to school, it was felt in so many ways.  There was the feeling of vulnerability that comes with something being taken from our front yard and the frustration of someone making the choice to take something from someone else.  And quickly there was the reality that replacing the bike also meant replacing the many accessories that had been on the bike for keeping him safe on his daily commute.  As we started to add it up, the number could have quickly become overwhelming.  Instead, I chose to trust.  And very quickly, things fell in to place.

And when my son asked why we were taking Daddy to school on Wednesday morning, I reminded him what had happened to Daddy's bike and then told him that we trusted that God would provide.  Then I went to work and while I told a coworker the story of what had happened the evening before, she shared that her husband had a bike that he didn't ride anymore and they'd be happy to give to Dr. D.  A good tune up and he'll be riding to school again in no time.

We've been talking about touchstones in church recently -- holding on to and sharing those times in life that remind us again of God's faithfulness.  This week is definitely one of those for us.

I will consider all your works

and meditate on all your mighty deeds." 

Psalm 77:12 NIV

I'm gonna praise Him...

And in the spirit of not growing weary while doing the great work of raising my children, today I celebrate that after the battle that bedtime often is, we've had two nights in a row of a much smoother, more peaceful experience!

It's amazing what happens when I let go of my stubborn self and seek God's guidance in even the little things and then listen and act.  He reminded me once again that the to-do list might seem gigantic, but spending time with Him needs to be at the top every day.  And doing too many things on it at one time doesn't lead to things being done faster, just everything taking longer and leading to more frustration for all involved.

Praise God!

Fill Me Up

This was the chorus of one of the songs we sung in worship yesterday and replayed over and over in my head this evening.  Bedtime is rarely a smooth affair in my house and tonight was one of the rough ones.  I was frustrated-- trying to do to many things at one time, asking too much of my kids, and had reached the end of what I felt I had to give to the whole situation.  So I stopped right in the middle of it all to take a deep breath and realized I needed much more than that.

Standing in the living room, I closed my eyes and prayed hard in my head.  "Lord, I can't find more patience at the moment, I don't have what I need to give to the kids right now.  I need you.  Please replace the frustration with peace."  And then I was able to take that deep breath and finish bed time without raising my voice, without hurtful words, without anger.  I slowed down and took the time to give Basil the one on one cuddle time that she needed from me and I think we were both blessed.  I stopped trying to do too many things and spent focused time with Bug, ending the whole process much more positively than it began.  I expected to get both kids to bed and collapse feeling completely drained; instead, I feel and full to the brim, even overflowing with peace that only comes from Jesus.  I am so appreciative again of my Lord who meets me right where I am, just when I call.

And the highlight of that experience was hearing my son tell my husband, "She was praying, Dad." shortly after I walked away to help Basil get pajamas on for bed.  I didn't hear what was said first so I don't know the context, but I LOVE that Bug recognized what I was doing.  We talk a lot about stepping back when you are frustrated and praying when you need help, but I know that actions speak volumes more.  So, while teaching my son wasn't my intent in the moment, it fills me up even more to know that he immediately thought that's what I would be doing when I was clearly overwhelmed.  It's a beautiful reminder of what we teach our kids in our actions and an encouragement all in one.