This morning I woke up with a startling revelation. My husband was at work (yes, on Saturday), the kids were up and already looking for something to do, and... I had a car! Yea. Since I have had children I have never been without a car. However, since October I have been wheel-less. My sister has been kind enough to let Greg "use" her old car, but it being a standard, has been rendered useless for me. So, for the past months I have been at the mercy of others for last minute diaper runs, or rides to school, or waiting until Greg gets home so that I can load all the children up to go get groceries. But, those days are gone. I woke up this morning, got my children fed and dressed and proceeded to drive myself wherever I needed to go. I felt like a sixteen year old again- with the world at my disposal once more. Tonight I looked at Greg and told him I really wanted a soda. Then, I realized, I could go get one if I wanted. I took for granted so long having a car that I remember actually complaining that I had so much running around to do. Now, I relish in getting behind the wheel and going wherever I need to. This got me thinking (of course)- what else in my life do I take for granted. I think about my day I had with my unruly children and wonder- how would today have been different if I had enjoyed my children and little more today (even during their antics) instead of worrying about how much I had to do. What about that Bible? When is the last time I dove into that and really appreciated it's holiness. What about God? When is the last time that I sat down and marveled at how truly blessed I really am- how truly awesome God really is. It took a simple thing as a poor second hand car to make me appreciate the glory of the universe- from this day on I have a whole new perspective to go with my "new" car.
One of the things I loved as a child was going to the beach with my family. Our whole extended family would go for a few days and camp out on the beach. So, once my children were old enough I wanted them to experience the same thing. Today we went for a "trial" run. One day with one cousin. After dropping off the baby we headed out. Today was the perfect day for the beach. No one there, light breeze, and tiny "tot sized" waves. It was quite a relaxing and enjoyable day. The only problem, actually, was with me. I LOVE the beach, the ocean, everything but I absolutely cannot stand sand on my skin. In the water I'm fine- out I am very cautious not to get any on me. My sister, of course, knows this. So therefor took the opportunity to put a handful of mud in my bathing suit. As I am - of course- wigging out Kamryn looks at me reassuringly and gives me the kid quote of the day..." Don't worry Mommy, one day you'll laugh at this"! And I did.
So, a month since I posted anything. Not a very good start, but I'm sure things will get better from here. This past month has been trying to say the least. Greg's job has taken a turn with the economy - not good news. However, God has continued to provide. It's hard to see sometimes when all of my wants are not met, but God has taken care of the needs. He always has. This week has been a prime example. Friday Greg's check was less than ample. We debated heavily on whether we could afford to buy the things for church that I had already committed to. I prayed, we talked, and came to the conclusion that 1) this church wouldn't work unless everyone came together and made similar sacrifices (which I know others have made bigger ones than our $50.00) 2) if this is where God wanted our money then who are we to argue. We are accustomed to tithing therefore this idea is not foreign to us - just hard to do sometimes. So, setting out to the store we frugally purchased everything we needed. The kids didn't understand why this week we couldn't get go-gurts and cheesesticks, etc for snacks but all in all I thought we were doing okay. I have been more creative in the kitchen, to say the least, and trust me- it's not gonna hurt me to miss a few mid-morning snacks. Besides, Greg gets paid every Friday. What's one week without a Dr. Pepper? However, when my grandmother caught wind off our "situation" she appeared on our doorstep with bags of groceries that were "just sitting in her cabinet not being used". As well as newly bought snacks and Popsicles for the kids. My grandmother cannot stand to see the kiddos go without their daily snacks! Hence, the provision of God. My grandmother brought more food than I probably would have bought at the store and a lot of different things I probably would never had tried. Lately I have been having a hard time seeing "The Big Guy" in my daily life and have questioned it. He used a situation that I thought was not even that big of a deal to not only remind me that he will provide for me but that he still cares about the little things in my life. Our God is an awesome God!
