Monday, August 17, 2009

It can always get worse.

Always.

:-)

I'm a bit of a pessimist. You all who know me well know that. But the truth? I have peace and hope in my heart, even if I feel discouraged. Truly.

Last night, though, things seemed pretty dismal. Son #1 stuck in London. And yes, I know "stuck" in London probably sounds wrong to you. But he's been gone 18 days. 18! And he's only 13. 13! (sorry, sometimes I get dramatic) Never been away from him this long. And I'm simply ACHING to hear about his time in Africa. And the baking I'd done? Had to go in the freezer. Which just isn't the same!

Along with wondering if they would EVER make it back, the Coach and Sons (#3) and (#4) left, as well.

And I'm all for time with my girls - really!
But with the Coach still sick, the timing seemed a bit difficult.

Basically, I was one big whiny pants last night. The Coach didn't call, I was super tired, the girls had FUN. Too much fun, really. I had the dickens of a time getting them settled and into bed. Had a hard time getting to sleep without the Coach - I always do. And forgot to take a sleeping pill early enough in the evening.

By the time I crawled into bed, I was tired and already had one of the girls sleeping beside me with a tummy ache.

Can you see where this is going?

That particular daughter slept just fine. But about 2:30 AM, another little face whispered "Mommy" and after getting her settled on a pallet on the floor beside me, I fell back to sleep.

Only to be awakened and hour later by what must be the worst sound in the entire universe.

Yep.

I hadn't had the opportunity to wash my new dust ruffle, yet. But I did today. And the pillow shams and all of the bedding on my entire bed. And the carpet. Enough said.

But you know what? In spite of it all, it wasn't a bad day. Really. Yeah, the poor thing was sick. But on the other hand? I had to cancel my plans. Stay home. Sit with her. Comfort her. And do my Lysol/Clorox Wipes/Febreeze/Candles/Million loads of laundry routine.

But all in all, it was OK. Even without the Coach to whine to, even without my mom here to help, or Son #1 here to babysit so I could get to the grocery store for Ginger Ale (daughter #2 had volleyball).

And you know what that teaches me? Once, again? God's grace IS sufficient. Always.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My perspective is a bit more positive tonight:

~Son (#1) and my parents actually have tickets for a flight arriving home tomorrow afternoon. Woohoo! Finally!


~The Coach called and thinks he might feel a bit (?) better (isn't he just incredibly handsome?).


~The boys are having a great time at football camp.


~Daughter (#7) is back to her bouncy and extremely loud self.




~No one else has gone down, yet.

~I ended up getting the grocery shopping done, after all - just a bit later in the day.

~God provided a sweet friend to take Daughter (#2) to practice at school (so I didn't have to load up everyone with towels and bowls) and a sweet niece to bring her home.

~We had another fun girls' night with a movie and chicken sandwiches and lemonade.

~And in a mere two days, all of the troops (Lord willing) will be back under the same roof, once again, for the first time in three weeks.



I may not sleep well tonight.
Someone else may get sick (and it could be me).
The Coach still has two more nights away.
And I know Son (#1) is coming home TIRED and with some really stinky laundry.

But I am reminded once, again, that God's grace is sufficient for it all. Always. And next time I feel discouraged, I'm going to count my blessings a little bit sooner. There are so very many!

6 comments:

Wilderness Mama said...

Thank you! After having a really bad day and not a very good attitude to go along with it, I really needed to be reminded of this. :)

Wilderness Mama said...

Hey, I just gave you an award! :) Check it out here: http://everydaylifetogether.blogspot.com/2009/08/one-lovely-blog-award.html

Anonymous said...

The same lesson God has been trying to teach me this summer! Where is my focus? On what God is doing and the blessings He has given? Or, myself, and my sad set of circumstances. God bless you these next few days, friend, I will be praying for you!

Lori Leigh said...

Awww, friend! I've been praying for you! I know things have been rough! Wish I was there to help out somehow. Like bring icecream over for girls night! Ha! Hope you have a blessed day!

Zimms Zoo said...

So it is nice to hear your perspective! I am a little on the pessimisstic (too many s'?) side too. That is why I love doing your thankful thursday. It helps puts things in perspective again.

And I am a great bowl-holder if you ever need some help! (ok not really it makes me want to puke too. but i do it anyway)

Squirly Girls said...

So sorry to hear about your troubles. Please do not hesitate to call me if you need a helping hand or an erand ran. I can not wait to hear all the Africa stories.