Thank you, Junior Asparagus.
This was very simply “one of those days.”
You know the ones. Everyone is cranky. You have a ton to do. And, absolutely nothing is ever easy.
For instance:
I was going to impress my husband and clean out the car before a road trip, and the vacuum cleaner just quit. As in died. As in it has sucked its last french fry off the floorboard of my not-gonna-get-any-cleaner car.
I had to do a little work with the kids in tow, and while I tried to get things done and talk over issues with the kids screaming in the background, I realized nap time had passed, lunch time was looming, and we still had to go to Wal-Mart. So…..
I got them a Subway sandwich, put them in the buggy and pressed on…until a drink hit the floor right in front of the sample cart where I was letting them taste the newest thing that’s on sale for a dollar and might make a good road trip snack. As someone kindly cleaned up the mess, my daughter told me which flavor she liked so I walked over to the display and realized the only one she wants is the only one they do not have. Oh well.
After spending more money than I planned, I headed home, tried another vacuum while the toddler slept in his car seat, finished cleaning, pulled into the garage just before a very strong storm hit with rain, wind and a whole lot of lightening. So….
I got the kids inside then unloaded the groceries, finishing up to the sound of thunder and the squeals that followed it. At just the moment I thought I’d calmed the kids down, I heard (and almost felt) a loud crack and the power went out.
Kids were crying, frozen food was melting and my husband was not yet home. Good times.
So, I just started singing. And, the first song that came to my mind was VeggieTales circa 1997. And it was so fitting, especially considering the fact that my daughter had just asked you if God is ALWAYS watching over us. And the conversation went like this:
“Always? Even when we’re sleeping?”
“Yes…even when we’re sleeping.”
“But what if he gets tired and falls asleep.”
“He won’t.”
“How do you know”
“Because the Bible says that “he who watches over you will neither slumber nor sleep.'”
“But he might get tired. Doesn’t he get tired?”
“I don’t think so….well…I can think of one thing he gets tired of.”
“What?”
“Our sin. I think I’ve read it “wearies” him.”
“But he doesn’t get tired of loving us.”
“Absolutely not.”
So, having just had that conversation the following lyrics just seemed to fit:
“God is bigger than the boogeyman. He’s bigger than Godzilla or the monsters on tv. Oh, God is bigger than the boogeyman, and he’s watching out for you and me.”
The funny thing is that song didn’t help. So, I tried one that always helps calm and comfort me…I thought it was appropriate for the setting…you know…darkness.
“Oh, soul, are you wearied and troubled? No light in the darkness you see. There’s light for a look at the Savior and life more abundant and free. Turn your eyes upon Jesus….”
And, at that moment, their daddy walked in, which had a much better effect than my off-key singing, I assure you.
So, we tried to pack picnics and put up groceries and do dishes and change diapers…all in the dark. And finally, I prayed, “Please, Lord, let the lights come back on. Please.” And in a few minutes, they finally did.
Wet laundry could get dried, dishes could get washed, food could get refrigerated…it was all good…until we went to find the puppies.
Our lab had taken her new puppies under the deck, and we couldn’t get one of them out. So, in the new clean clothes I had just put on, I got down in the mud and finally managed to get my hands on her. Itching, muddy and wet I looked at my husband who was trying to lead the lab to a safer place for her pups. And she just would not go. So, itching, muddy and wet, my husband had to pick her up only to become more itching, muddy and wet. Okay, he might not have been itching, but I was itching enough for the both of us.
So, after all that, I’m sitting awake writing this. Not necessarily because you need to know about it, but because I need to remember it. And the way that God was in all of it. And that in the midst of all of the stress, in spite of all my impatience and my lack of gentleness at times, I am sitting here with a dear little head snuggled up against me, and I can honestly say that I absolutely loved this day.
P.S. Forgot to mention that I rushed to the bank at 4:15 (drive-thru closes at 4:30), asked for a deposit slip and then realized I didn’t have the check to deposit. Typical.
Ginger Caughman says
Yes, a wonderful post of your events in the daily life of MOMS and every Christian, really as we realize that GOD IS INDEED WITH US AND IN US!
I’ve been “IN THE HYMNAL” this morning doing research for a Bible study. So, I turned to “your song.”
I too love “your soul song, ” “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.”
It’s by Halen H. Lemmel, first copyrighted back in 1922. God’s amazing grace!
An encouragement from the writer of HEBREWS:
“Let us keep our eyes on Jesus, the source, author and perfecter of our faith! ”
With love to you all, Note from Nana o/`.
Nancy W. says
I’m glad to know ya’ll were okay in the storm. I tried to call and warn you about it, but I didn’t get you. Now I know why. I hope you keep on having songs pop up this week to remind you about God’s love. Have fun!
MississippiMom says
Thanks so much!