I got bitten by the tummy bug. Although it was not the way I would have preferred to go about it, I did manage to lose 4 pounds in the last 24 hours.
There really is nothing worse than trying to parent energetic children when you feel like you have been hit by a truck. (And, of course, my husband is on call and busy in the OR.) Today definitely will not go down in history as one of my best parenting days. I felt guilty about plopping them in front of a movie so I could rest--but I did what I had to do. Thankfully, by this afternoon I was feeling better and even managed to enjoy a couple of rounds of Candyland with my children.
Last night as my husband was pulling my hair back and treating me with Phenergan (which did not work, by the way) I found myself lamenting real life. I didn't voice it, but my internal dialogue was I am sorry you work so hard and come home to this. I am sorry life is hectic and chaotic. I am sorry life is so full of distractions and stuff (taxes, kids, bills, meetings, illness).
I found myself wishing life could be easy and free of distraction. I could be such a great wife/Mom/person if life didn't keep throwing me curve balls...but those curve balls are what real life is made of. We never know what is coming. We have to learn to live and love in the reality that we are in. If we are always waiting for perfect circumstances to enable us to love well we are fooling ourselves. The only time I have had that experience was during the week of my honeymoon.
No more excuses. I don't want to blame the imperfectness of life for my shortcomings. I want to know the Lord in an intimate way where the fruit of the Spirit is evident in my life regardless of my circumstances.
But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. (Galatians 5:22 The Message)
It may take a long time before this fruit is evident even in the midst of a nasty stomach bug...but I am striving.
8 comments:
I'm sorry you got sick. I hope everyone is completely better soon!! You are so right... "those curveballs are what life is made of". I have been thinking about this lately too! good for you for thinking of the big picture,even under duress!
Oh gosh - so sorry you're not feeling well. I can so relate. I am on day 8 with hubby away on business, just had major water damage at my gallery due to careless roofer resulting in tens of thousands of dollars in damage, started getting a sore throat and aches this afternoon, and my 3yo just threw up in his bed. I'm on "vacation" this week....yeah, RIGHT! Feel better soon!
Yes, your husband is a busy man but I'm sure that he wouldn't rather be anywhere else than holding your hair back, doping you up with nausea medicine and trying to tend to your needs. (Obviously, he'd rather you not be ill, but not in a selfish kind of way.) Don't feel guilty for him needing to tend to you, as well. We can all see what a loving father and husband he is. He's just doing what he does.
Feel better! Don't beat yourself up about having a movie day, either. We've all done it. Sickness makes a mommy do what she has to do sometimes.
It seems that life has been, ummm, very real, at our house lately... a husband who works so hard, young children to be trained, discouraging church politics, a demolished kitchen due to DIY renovations... We're tired, my husband and I, yet I've felt so burdened, so prompted to love and encourage through it all. Oh that God will pour out His spirit upon me, that I will listen and obey as He guides me through each very real and imperfect day.
My daily prayer lately has been, "Please let me completely learn what You you are trying to teach me" through the most recent trial we are walking through. I pray you are feeling so much better today and back to your joyful self.
So sorry you got sick. Blah! For lack of a better word! Isn't it true that we see life and blessings through the curve balls that are thrown at us? How will we handle them? What if life was perfect? How boring would we be? Stepford Wives comes to mind!
I have those same questions as a mother to a 7 & 9 year old. My life is good. My life is blessed beyond measure. I want to handle the curve balls with grace!
Thank you for sharing your triplets with us. You keep it real. I like that!
Katy
Oh no, I'm sorry you got sick now too! I hope your whole family feels better soon!
sorry you've got it!! praying for recovery...
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