Monday, October 3, 2011

What A Week

We all have 'those' weeks, right?  I would have to categorize this last week into one of those that could possibly be worth it's own television show!  Perhaps some of you are familiar with the song 'This Is The Stuff' by Francesca Battesteli.  If only the words could play behind some pictures of this week, you'd be able to get the proper feel of our days!  Sans musical accompaniment, let me share the lyrics here in blue....

I lost my keys in the great unknown
And call me please 'Cuz I can't find my phone

Beginning with the SECOND flat in two days.  Same tire, different holes, both times stranded, because due to my broken back latch I can't get to my spare!  And yes, this time I drove the tire right off of my rim!

This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff that's getting to me lately
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use

Blessed?  I sure count the laughter amidst the chaos as a coping gift!  I love those moments when the day seems to be falling apart, only to be hilariously interrupted by the ongoing comedy of my little ones!  From the backseat I hear, "Mom, Gracie has lipstick on her eyebrows!"  And of course, our tension turns into gales of laughter!

45 in a 35
Sirens and fines while I'm running behind
Whoa


Yes, of course, one of these trips to the shop was interrupted by just that.  And the blessing here?  No ticket.  Wether it was due to sympathy on behalf of the officer, or the truth that I told him it wasn't my leaking, broken valve stem that made me hurry, just simply that I wasn't paying attention....I'm more than grateful to have driven away with only a warning and silent prayer of thanks for not adding to the camel's back this day!
This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff that's getting to me lately
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use

Though he was across country amidst this week of challenges (they never seem to come so abundantly while he's home), I know I have the well wishes, advice, and long distance support of a great husband.  And thankfully, the borrowed time, of my local father in law who so generously stands in as my repair man when Tommy's gone!
 So break me of impatience
Conquer my frustrations
I've got a new appreciation
It's not the end of the world
Oh Oh Oh


And of course, the week wouldn't be complete without a dead battery on our way to church yesterday morning!  But once again, it wasn' the end of the world.  Nor was the repaired headlight that was so gracefully followed by yet another one out that I noticed this morning.  We got to Sunday School 'almost' on time.  Aiden got to school this morning just fine.  As he did on the great day of chapel two weeks ago while he and his classmates shared their scripture memory verses (ALOT OF THEM) and song with parents and the school.  What's a dead battery, burnt out headlight, flat tireS, or small distractions when I KNOW without a doubt, that we are in the hands of the ONE who loves us more than any of this silly stuff matters.

The ONE who has allowed me to guide and lead these wonderful children in HIS ways.  We can't always prevent the little crises' that come to us day and day again.  But what I CAN do, is try to handle them with grace.  And when that fails, to remember that the Lord has it all under control.  And that maybe they're not really crises' anyway.  Perhaps they each play a role in lessons to perfect us.  In lessons that I have the choice to show my children how I react to life's craziness!

This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff
Someone save me
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
And I've gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use

Oh Oh Oh Oh
This is the stuff You use

Yes, I do believe that that is the path I will choose.  It may be messy and I promise you I fall short each and every day.  But I know who this family really belongs to.  And I thank God that His grace, His promises, and of course, His sense of humor are ALWAYS bigger than my little mess!

And of course, big sister conquers the impossible!  He would NEVER lay down on me and go to sleep like that!  What great skills she has!
  
And never forget to thank Him for the bounties before us each and every day!  Can anyone say SUPPER????  Or breakfast....either will do!
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.  Philippians 1:29

Indeed, they really are small messes, aren't they?  I hope everyone has a wonderful week!  As for this bunch....we'll carry on with the never ending saga of peeling pears and continue hoping that our garden will grow!  And someone please remember to remind me on the next go round.....it's NOT the end of the world!