Amen!

We'll I really have to preface that in no way am I suggesting that life is so difficult that it's unbearable and it's too much to go on. No, this is just a vent blog. One that gives a glimpse into what the daily grind is like. Whether it be normal or abnormal for fellow families who have three children very close in age, or maybe there are families who have 3x this many. All I'm sayin' is life at times throws some curve balls.
Today, we all woke up late. It's Thursday, Jon's been gone since Sunday, nerves are frayed. I forgot my cell phone but was running late. Work was fine, but at 10:00 I looked out my window to my van and saw a severely flat tire. Like pancake flat. I had never had a flat. I have no cell phone and my work phone can't call Jon's # so I borrow my boss' and I'm not sure what to do. Jon talks me down off the ledge. It's better hearing Jon's voice. I call a tow company who $60 later changes my flat into the spare and that's what I'll drive on until Jon gets back.
I have a two hour play date with a neighbor girl I watch once a month Hayden "waters" the lawn in front of all of our neighbors just 'cause he had to "go"...then later Hayden wets his pants and runs around naked until I told him no dinner until he wore underwear to the table.
Just life...
So, like...when I started back to work for the first time in over six years, at the same time Jon got a NEW job opportunity and my Brother two weeks later was getting married and we were hosting 30+ friends and family for a welcome dinner. I was in no position for a housekeeper and really, it wasn't "so" bad...that quickly changed while I got word that Jon will be traveling more now than ever and I will have this on my plate. My plate just wasn't big enough. I stared at my plate. I even tried to make lists to see about "serving different courses" so that my plate could hold it all. It was all one blessing after another, but so much all at once.
I prayed and thanked Jesus that I was training for a half marathon, so that I could run to "burn off" what the plate's worth could burden me with. But now, looking back to September and seeing all the infrequent times we saw Jon, I see that God carried us through that month. I praise Him for giving me GRACES! My challenges are still far ahead, but I am better off now knowing that I have choices, I can lose control and start slinging plates, or I can quietly seek refuge in the word and gain a better peace and learn the lesson.
So, I now hired a sitter, was able to make great decisions with the kids and keep it real and light and know that Jon is coming back on Friday. It's called "breathing lessons", one breath after another.
There is also a book I read long ago with that very title and it's the truth. We just need to get quiet.
This time in America couldn't be any more scary for everyone. We are all in turmoil and chaos and truly, looking toward the future can seem bleak. However, having FAITH, HOPE, and most importantly GOD in our lives we can be settled in knowing that trusting God, not politicians, wall street or the hairdresser, not the newspapers, nor the media, just praying and trusting that GOD makes it all right. This might mean we live outside our comfort zone, but one that wasn't real to begin with. This might mean that we skimp back to lesser items for Christmas, but we get a better understanding of what CHRISTmas really is. To be together as a family unit and love one another without hassles, without burden. Maybe make loaves of some fresh home made bread and take that to a homeless shelter because there will be many more there this year, sadly so sadly to say.
It's not how people treat you along the way, it's how you treat others and how you expect others will treat those you love the most. Like a pass it forward. This is trying times for so many people, everyone is entitled to have bad days, really ugly days, take grace when you're not faced with a smile. It will pass and it could be you that maybe didn't smile five minutes before that...
So, let's pick ourselves up, brush ourselves off and turn toward the man upstairs, praising His name for all that we DO have!