Every single day, there is a commentary going on in my head about every big and little thing going on. And lately? There has been so much going on. It has my head reeling from the 100 mile per hour impact of it all. So yesterday I caved.
It was a fuller than usual day. It seemed like the bees, who visited our picnic table this summer on vacation at Flathead Lake. Those bees were ON A MISSION! They wanted to hang out with all the picnickers, but they were INSISTENT about it. And so it felt to my weary soul yesterday. Many insistent missions. Many important tasks. Chores that are many months behind. Some of the scenarios are so beyond me. All swarming ’round about my head.
Perhaps, as you read below, you will identify with me.
The day began like any usual day. Kids getting up and ready at various points of the morning. We have eight people in our home now. And one by one, they all began their trek to work and school. I am back to my off-kilter morning routine. It happens all the time.
On a BETTER ROUTINE, I begin getting up early with Chris and exercising at 5:30 at the YMCA. Then I make breakfast at home for everyone. And I am up and on task for all, who come through. One by one they come and go. But yesterday, that did not happen.
When the final group leaves, I take about 30 minutes to begin morning chores. Then I begin to work. I sort through what needs to happen first, and then I dig through it, one by one. Sometimes I have emails that are urgent that disrupt the flow. But on the ideal day, I have only one or two of these.
Yesterday, I had 10 urgent emails from various customers.
Plus I had a child at home on day two of the flu.
Plus I needed to write my menu and grocery shop (should’ve done it Saturday, but I roller-skated instead! Then I was tired after that. Amen.). Never got around to it yesterday either.
Then I got an email that undid me. I am really struggling in my heart with our youngest, who is having some learning difficulties in reading and recognizing print. We believe it is an eye-tracking problem. In fact, we are about to get her scheduled this month for a specialist to test her for dyslexia and other eye-tracking problems. Then we have a meeting at school in early November. And truth be told? I feel so helpless. My heart aches. My prayers soar for her. She is such an insightful child. I am praying to find the break-through and to help her with tools that work.
Finally, I began the afternoon carpool pick ups. They range over a two-hour period every single afternoon. I enjoy this time. I really do. I always have the opportunity to be a blessing and lift up these kids, ranging from 15 1/2 down to 5 (I pick up 10 children over this time). What a gift to touch these lives–6 of which are not mine–and to show them love. I must add here, too, that other parents take our children every morning. So it is a great system for me (the oh-so-not-a-morning person, me).
After pick ups I hurried to the store for a quick–and favorite–supper of fried chicken from the deli at our local market. And I began to try to tie up the work I had left, as best as I could.
It was just a hard and stressful day. I was not in a good mood, at all. Underlying it all, I have been so prayerful and concerned for Chris’ dad, who is having surgery tomorrow.
There were two bright spots. I got an email from a Christian comedian, who Chris and I have long enjoyed listening to on “cassette” tape. We often quote him…and we laugh. What a gift that email was! I still need to respond to it. Secondly, in my frustration, I finally cleaned our bathroom sink area. I took it all out on that. Then I went to bed. Poor Chris didn’t know what to do with me.
So this morning, my Chris texted me these words. Isaiah 43:1-4. Soak that up.
Here is what God wrote in my margin today (I picked KJV, because the language suits me today):
But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.
If that is too King James-ish for you, here it is in the NET:
Now, this is what the Lord says,
the one who created you, O Jacob,
and formed you, O Israel:
“Don’t be afraid, for I will protect you.
I call you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I am with you;
when you pass through the streams, they will not overwhelm you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;
the flames will not harm you.
For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your deliverer.
I have handed over Egypt as a ransom price,
Ethiopia and Seba in place of you.
Since you are precious and special in my sight,
and I love you,
I will hand over people in place of you,
nations in place of your life.
Sometimes, His Word washes over all my troubles…and they vanish. They may still be there. Yes. But they are COVERED in His Grace. With His help, I can scale each wall! (so can you!)
God be with you, friends!
