Hello stranger! I've missed you. I didn't think I wanted to continue with this blog. Well, I've had so many thoughts recently and it seems like a waste to not write them out. Here is a story I want to remember forever:
It sure has been beautiful these last couple of weeks. The temperature has been at least 60 degrees. Today is a toasty 80 degrees. I even hung some clothes on the line to dry! I haven't talked to Larry yet but I know he will be grouchy. He hates the heat. On top of that, I have all kinds of "good" news to share with him...he will be thrilled.
Anyway, about two weeks ago my children spent the entire day outside in this lovely weather. I know they should have been doing schoolwork, but how could I make them? I watched them swing a little on the playset, dribble the basketball for a few minutes. After sampling the toys and activities neglected during the winter, they ended up spending the remainder of their time under the tree in our front yard "making food." Mud pies and weed salad were on the menu. It was a good day, everyone seemed happy and at ease.
Eventually the children came in, we had dinner, watched some TV and cleaned up for bedtime. Larry brought his work home with him, as he does many nights. Usually, he gets his documenting for done before the children's bedtime, but this was one of his catch up nights. It was 9pm and he was sitting in bed with his work computer; He asked me to "tuck" the kids into bed and pray with them. Larry has been the one to put them to bed since birth. It is a very important time for him and, I'm sure, for them too.
So I did the rounds, Lily and Eli upstairs, Mati on the living room couch, then I peek my head into Wynnie's room. She was crying. This really took me by surprise, we had such a lovely, easy going day. Wynnie is always my smiley, positive child. "Wynnie, what's wrong," I asked. "Mommy, I'm sorry. I hid it." "What are you talking about Wynnie?" "You know, those round things on the stairs outside. I thought you were going to throw them away so I peeled them for my salad. Eli told me that you wanted it, I got scared that you would be mad at me, so I hid it. I buried in the back yard by the fence." She cried and whimpered as she explained the situation to me. I just looked at her confused. "Wynnie, do you mean the tulip bulbs that Robin got me? I was just going to plant them anyway. The only thing you need to feel bad about is trying to hide something from me. Now, ask Yeshua to forgive you. Thank you for telling me." "Ok, mommy," she said in her , ready to please, manner.
I guess you never know what kinds of things people are struggling with on the inside, even your own children. I suppose we need to remember all of our brothers and sisters in prayer, even if they act like everything is ok. Maybe our prayers will soften their hearts enough that they can confess their sin and find peace.
I still haven't got around to planting the other tulip bulbs. But I know one was planted and I will remember Wynnies repentant spirit every time it blooms. I pray she remembers too.
The sacrifices of YHWH are a broken spirit and contrite heart.
How beautiful!
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