Lessons learned...

As some of you know, today is my 33rd birthday.  My mom had generously offered to go shopping with me and take me (and Jami) to dinner at Seasons 52.  We planned to meet at Perimeter Mall around 3pm Sunday, June 2nd, then made reservations for dinner at 6.  I was going to nurse Adalynn in the privacy of our booth while we chatted and enjoyed our appetizers.  Well, God had other plans!

I wanted to share some of the lessons I've learned from the past two days.  Although, admittedly, some of them are lessons God is continually trying to teach me!

1)  I AM NOT IN CONTROL

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

Colossians 3:1

 

As much as I try to be, God repeatedly reminds me that I am not in control!  As I was getting ready to leave for the mall, Gregg said he wanted to check the weather radar.  Storms and heavy rain were predicted, but I continued (in my stubbornness) to insist that Adalynn and I could still go meet my mom.  As I was driving, the rain got heavier and I saw huge flashes of lightening ahead.  I knew Gregg had been right (see #3), but I was already there, so I figured I would go ahead and enjoy the time with my mom and Jami.

2)  BEING A PARENT REQUIRES SACRIFICE AFTER SACRIFICE

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.

Psalm 127:3

This is what I had hoped Adalynn would do in the stroller while we shopped, but she decided not to nap.  Either my mom or I had to push her constantly to keep her from crying.  By the time we got to dinner, she was hysterically crying and wouldn't calm down to eat.  I felt the whole restaurant rolling their eyes at my screaming baby and I felt helpless.  Jami and my mom helped me get her to the ladies room where she FINALLY nursed after much rocking and calming.  I didn't even look at the menu, so my mom ordered me what she was having.  I did get to re-join them eventually and we had a short, but nice dinner!  Then, we headed to the car and it was pouring down rain...I mean pouring!  Our umbrellas were in the car, so my mom borrowed one and went to get my car.  We finally got loaded into the car and headed home through the storm.

In the meantime, Gregg was at home with Zeke who had come down with some sort of stomach bug.  It started before I left, but Gregg and I both thought it was a one time thing.  Zeke had never even thrown up before.  My sweet husband was at home to care for (and clean up after) a very sick little boy.  It looks like we were both learning the sacrifice lesson that day.


3)  MY HUSBAND IS VERY WISE

Gregg had suggested I try to reschedule for the next weekend, but I had my  heart set on a special day with my mom, Adalynn, and Jami.  He knew that, so he supported my decision to go, but he also was not comfortable with it.  He was concerned about the dangerous driving conditions.  He is a cautious man, and I love that about him.

I cannot tell you the number of times I've said, "Gregg is so wise...I should have listened to him," OR even better, "I'm glad I listened to him!"  He has the gift of discernment and I am thankful that he is my husband.

4)  I AM BLESSED

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

As I sit hear while Gregg, Zeke, and Adalynn sleep (we are all exhausted), I am trying to focus on how blessed I am in the midst of this fallen world.  God protected Adalynn and me as we drove, He allowed Gregg to stay in town, so that I was not going through all of this alone, He gave me an understanding and supportive mom and sister in law, He allowed Gregg to take the day off today to help me, and the list could go on and on.  Zeke has been nothing short of delightful these past two day.  He hasn't complained, and has been so sweet. 

We would appreciate all of your prayers for a complete and speedy recovery for Zeke and protection for the rest of us. 

This year, I'll be deep cleaning bathrooms on my birthday, but as I mentioned above, being a mommy is a sacrifice.  I am blessed to have a loving, involved husband and two beautiful children.  I'm not going to lie and say this is the best birthday ever, but it will probably go down as one of the most memorable!

Blessings to you all!