There are seasons in our lives just as there are in nature. Seasons of plenty, seasons of want. During those times of smooth sailing, it is easy to become complacent, to forget just how much we need God every minute of every day. But oh, when the storms of life make for very rough seas, they can bring you to your knees in an instant. And that is where I am this morning. Literally on my knees, scrubbing the floor from the juice spilled by a toddler. It is this tiny thing that becomes "the straw" and the tears flow as I realize I cannot do this myself. I think, who can I call? Who could help? Who would listen and understand? All the little things and all the bigger things have all come to this moment and I am humbled to my knees and I know. And He knows. He has quietly been waiting for me to ask for help. How grateful I am to know that my prayers are heard and that grace is showered down on me so that I can handle this moment and the next and the next.
We are supposed to be camping right now. Two kids are camping, sort of. They are camped out on the couch with fevers. I am trying to stay positive (I am positive I am disappointed!) and count my blessings on this day before Thanksgiving. Thankful: - that my husband braved the grocery store so I could stay home and nurse sick little people. - for Advil, since fevers over 103 scare me. - for beautiful fall colors outside the window. - that we are not trying to care for sick kiddos in a camper far from the comforts of home. - that I got some pretty photos of the kids this weekend - for family and friends - for a roof over our heads, food for our bodies, and clothing for us all - for a God who loves me, even at my worst I pray for quick healing for my kids and all those who are sick on this day. I pray that all of you may have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day tomorrow.
It's like the old adage of not praying for patience, because God will answer you and give you plenty of opportunities to practice!! Sometimes, it amazes me how, in the smallest, strangest moments, we feel His presence the most. Hang in there, my friend.
ReplyDeletePraying for grace for you.
ReplyDeletePS Also praying for your dad.
Hugs.
ReplyDeleteJenny, I'm right there with you. This month is the 25th anniversary of Aaron's birth and death and the 39th anniversary of my brother's death was just a few days ago. I'm choosing the music for Aaron's mass. We have to sing an Advent song, so I chose O Come O Come Emmanuel, because my grandfather's name was Manuel, and I'm trying to narrow down my other choices from Prayer of St. Francis, The Summons, City of God, Age to Age, and Be Not Afraid. Right now it looks like O Come for Entrance, Be Not Afraid for offertory, The Summons for communion, and City of God for Recessional. We're going to sing Those Who See Light as a meditation song before mass because it's not in the book.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, find comfort in your memories and in the knowledge that your friends and family love you and are praying for you to have strength and peace. Love you.
It is amazing the power of that "help me" prayer. God always does give that extra added boost of strength. Mommies seem to need it most of all.
ReplyDeleteJenny, you are always in my thoughts and prayers. I'm here for you anytime. Love you!
ReplyDeleteWe're sisters in Christ. I'm only a text or call away!
DeletePrayers!
ReplyDelete