As I was driving to work this morning, I was reflecting on the eventful morning in my household. Could we REALLY have that much drama in 30 min or less? The answer is – YES we can*.
So next question, who started it? ME. I will so own up to it. I have no qualms, no hesitation about it; there is NO mistaking that I commited the most heinous Mom-fail. EVER. But I have been redeemed and may possible have made the biggest Win ever. However, I cannot take any credit for this victory.
I forgot to set my alarm to take my oldest (my son) to school to meet a charter bus for 6 am to embark on an amazing science field trip (only for a select few from his school) to Moody Gardens. When I realized my mistake, the household atmosphere disintegrated: Happiness to misery in 0.5 seconds.
A million dispairing thoughts rushed into my head: my son is going to miss out, this is a once-in-a-lifetime event, I can’t make up for this, he’s going to hate me, it’s my fault, his friends and teachers know that he is supposed to go – how can I make him face them today?, why did I forget?, and on and on. I disintegrated, crying and apologizing. My rational side spoke up (Mike) and asked if I could take the day off. YES, I CAN. (Thx Bob).
Engage speed dressing, gather purse, keys, drinks, breakfast bars, and fruit, and we’re out the door- on our way to Galveston to deliver my son to the group. I call the school and beg them for the cell numbers of the chaperones, which they do provide. Thankfully, one of them answers. When I explain that I am willing to meet them in Galveston, she informs me that their charter bus had a break-down and they were waiting for a new bus. And, are you ready? They were still in Sulphur, across the street from my child’s school. Only 10 minutes away. Are you kidding? I was already on the interstate heading toward Galveston, but not past the last Sulphur exit.
… {You predict the ending}
So, why is this victory not mine? Yes, my son did get to join his friends on the charter bus and I was able to go to work, mostly, on time. Yay! I saved the day!
God put me in a particular place, at a particular time, with specific challenges, blessings, and opportunities – to grow in wisdom and to be able to serve Him. He gets the credit. Not me.
1. God allowed me to find Mike;
2. God has graced Mike and I with 23 years and 2 fabulous children.
3. Mike’s personality is to see many options, avenues, and points of view, quickly, methodically, and rationally. – Must be a God-given talent.
{Mike calms me, suggests that I take our son to meet his school group in Galveston}
4. The school secretary gives me cell phone numbers for teachers. I’m calling as a parent; I probably sounded panicky and crazy – I mean, I have a REAL crisis here! That should have been warning signs to say no, right? Nope, she gives the numbers like she’s reading the lunch menu. A small act – but infinitly crucial to us.
5. The charter bus is delayed. Hmmmm. While I cannot say that God made it break down, I have to wonder about the delay.
6. I was able to meet the group in Sulphur.
Many small factors this morning. Many small blessings, favors that exist when, taken individually, don’t mean much, but when added together, can mean the world. I realize many times, many ways that God is working in my life. How about you? But do we take time to relfect and be thankful?
You can simple say, It’s coincidence; You were lucky. Go ahead.
I’ll simple say: Thank you Lord for favors, both large and small!
*Sorry, no allusion to Bob, the Builder is evenly remotely intended.
True Tales of a G.R.I.T. 