Perspective

Frustrating. That is the word I would have used to describe this morning and even last night. It wasn't a bad day, just things weren't running very smoothly. On weekends where hubby works, he literally works all weekend. I come home Friday and he is gone until late, Saturday is a 12+ hour shift and Sunday is pretty much the same. So, in that aspect I understand the single parenting thing. I'm so very thankful he has a job and he gets hours and he does so willingly to provide for our family. He is definitely NOT lazy. Laziness (on a side note) is a thing I despise. Anyway, back on topic... Well, I said all that to say that there were many things to be done and when hubby is working, it's all mine with the girls and getting it done. On a side note, when I was talking about praying for things with my oldest on Friday evening, I mentioned to her to pray for a blessing. Not anything in specific, just a tangible way I could see God at work. She smirked at me thinking I was wanting something else. Saturday was busy in the way of getting the things that didn't get finished during the week done. There were towels galore, sheets, swimming stuff, and miles of clothes it seemed. There were endless stacks of receipts and just "things" that needed organized. The youngest girls room looked like a hoarders paradise as is pretty typical. I have one that has down the "magic" of stuffing things in all sorts of places when it is time to clean up. The other is quickly learning. And of course, there's the many, many birthdays and such that are almost upon us. I had several errands to run in the next city so we took off. The girls are used to going everywhere we go, so that isn't that big of a deal I suppose. I got several things accomplished and whew...we had been to 6 places! After coming home, it was non-stop working on folding, hanging, straightening etc...until right about 1 am when I knew I had to go to bed. Right before bed, there was thunder & lightning. I didn't hang any hope on there being any rain because we have been through this drill before. A few minutes later, the skies opened up and poured! I was glad!!! Yep, there's a blessing! After a few hours of shut-eye, it was time to get up. We go to early service so we have to get up early. It's me getting myself ready and 3 girls. Remember, there's lots of hair to fix, outfits to find, hairbows to match etc... They weren't moving quickly and I couldn't find a headband that we needed, hair was a semi-battle with one and tears were there too. I've learned that on these kinds of days, that is when I need to make sure I go to church the MOST! I think Satan tries his hardest to keep you from what you really need to do. Well, I knew that today was one of those days. As I walked up the stairs again, I contemplated just forgetting it all and not going. I knew though that that's when I would miss out. As with our morning, it isn't uncommon for us to arrive a few minutes late. Church is somewhat of a drive. The whole way there all I could think about was being frustrated at routine and frustrated that things didn't work well. I was frustrated about so many things. We walked in to church where I waited to put Noe in her little toddler class. When it was my turn, the worker said he remembered her and that she is their easiest one...so good. I thanked him and realized there's a blessing. That person has no idea that what they said was a blessing I doubt. We went in and sat down just in time for the music. The song was called, "Temporary Home". Beautiful music and I couldn't help my eyes well up with tears as I thought about a friend from college who lies on her death bed from cancer...So young. Pastor Ben is doing a series on "Live Strong" about the life of Sampson. He mentioned that the interesting thing is that we really have about nothing in common with Sampson's lifestyle, but there are so many things to be learned from circumstances in his life. Today was on Delilah. She's the one that sucks the life out of anything. We were encouraged to do a 30 minute prayer time between today and tomorrow. Off we went to Sunday School. A couple in our class talked about their trip to the Dominican Republic. Everything that they told us or showed us gave me a different perspective. These people need everything, but first they need a Savior. I didn't even go on their trip, but I came out of there with a fresh outlook and a new perspective. There may be things that frustrate me, but really they aren't that important. People of the DR get one meal a day if they are lucky. We sit around mulling over what we are going to eat for our 3-4 meals a day plus treats. So, on the drive home I was once again thinking as the car was very quiet. The pervading thought on the drive home was blessing, blessing, blessing. I couldn't help but be so thankful for the answer to prayer for not one blessing but many this weekend. I needed a different perspective and as I figured, WE really needed to get to church today. That's why getting there was so difficult!!