Today (written last week) Anna is home sick with a stomach bug. We were up most of the night with her; poor thing. Of course, there’s been a change of plans today – a piano lesson rescheduled, a grocery trip put on hold – and instead, washing bedding, and keeping liquids at the ready. When my family is sick I am happy to be home with them and serve them. Yes, it’s sometimes hard, especially with little sleep. But a certain “mama bear” instinct kicks in and you just do it.
Although Anna wasn’t feeling well, I love this picture that shows “peace’ bear right up close on her neck. She doesn’t always sleep with a stuffed animal, but when she’s sick, she wants one close by.
As Anna napped today I had some alone time to sit, read, and feed my soul with the only words that can.
Psalm 46:10 – Be still and know that I am God.
Isaiah 26:3 – You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.
I realized something: God prepared me yesterday for what was to come today.
Yesterday I had plans of getting quite a bit accomplished – my to-do list was way too long. Instead, in the morning I felt God nudging me to prep dinner early. Have it all ready to pop in the oven later in the day. So, that’s what I did. As the day went on I felt more and more tired and wiped out, and it felt so wonderful having dinner taken care of. Thank you, Lord. By the afternoon, after having a little rest, I still felt God saying, “Rest more. In me. Lay aside your plans.” So, that’s what I did. I made myself a cup of tea and sat down to study. By the time I had picked the kids up from school and we were into the routine of homework, I was again grateful for my slower day, and having the energy for the kids.
Fast forward to last night when I was up in the night with Anna. Around 4am I’m laying in bed thinking about how I will adjust my day today to be home with her, and it comes to me: Had I rushed around yesterday doing what I originally intended to do, I would have been past exhaustion being up with her in the night. I’m not sure I would have been able to do it. My slower day reserved some of my energy for right now. And I am amazed. I am amazed once again at how my Father makes provisions for me, cares for me, and loves me in this way.
Sometimes I plow through accomplishing even when I feel the nudging to slow. And I’m usually sorry I did. My body either protests with fatigue or I have zero energy left for my family in the evening. Many times I am frustrated when my plans change and my to-do list gets put aside. But slowly I am learning that it is always for my good. Thank you, Father.