Dodging Tornadoes

It’s not been the best of weeks. 

the perfect gift from Kansas
the perfect gift from Kansas

My house smells like cardboard boxes from packing. Stuff isn’t where it should be. I wonder if it ever will be again.

My thoughtful, kind, generous neighbors threw me a party. They gave me gifts from Kansas. I will miss these ladies. Our neighborhood has been one of the biggest blessings of our short time here. It’s hard to say goodbye.

Our son’s school and teacher this year have been huge blessings, too. His class performed a Salute to America program this week. They sang patriotic songs and gave speeches as famous Americans. They ended the show with a fitting quote from Ronald Reagan:

“I know that for America there will always be a bright dawn ahead.”

the stage is set
the stage is set

Could you just absolutely weep?

The program was noble and right and good. It’s what American elementary school students should be doing. I will miss this school. It’s hard to watch my child say goodbye.

A family member in North Carolina was unexpectedly hospitalized for most of the week. It’s nauseating to know that although we’re so close to being there, we’re not there now when we could possibly help. It’s hard to feel helpless.

I worked on writing a challenging assignment this week. Wrote my little heart out, or at least it seemed to me like I did, and I’m not sure it matters. The question of what will Aimee do when she grows up remains outstanding, unanswered, and flapping in the wind.

Life feels out of control and unsettled. So I wave my white flag.

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surrender, image credit: portobeseno

Not my will, but Yours. Not by my power, but by Your Spirit. Help me to trust that in my weakness, You are strong. I give You my worries because You care for me. Wrap Your care around me and help me to stand.

But those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 NIV

White Flag by Dido is one of my favorite songs. I know she says she won’t wave a white flag and I just wrote I will, but neither of us is giving up, so there you go.

Who helps you dodge life’s tornadoes?

photo credit: portobeseno via photopin cc

9 thoughts on “Dodging Tornadoes

  1. So beautiful and so honest… I love that about you! Try to keep that “big picture” vision… this will be a tiny dot on the radar some day… hold on for the ride!!! Goodbyes are so hard, but the hello will come soon enough! :) His timing is perfect. Remember that sweet friend!

    1. I know you’re right, Chris. The stress makes it harder for me to keep that perspective, but like you said, I’m going to hold on for the ride! We get through it, don’t we?

    1. Thank you, Janice. We’re gonna get there. I have to keep my eye on the goal of getting us moved to the next place we’ll call home.

  2. Oh I know all too well the nagging question of what is it I want to do when I’m grown up. And yet, here I am, all grown, and still not really sure. I know that I am mother. And that is enough for me. For now. But once they grow and are busy with their own lives, I worry about mine. What will I be then, when I’m no longer immediately needed? Thinking of you and your move and tornados and prayers.

    1. I understand. We work ourselves out of many aspects of our mom jobs. I’m hoping our move will be a good opportunity to make a new start on many different fronts, including my “career” :)

  3. I’m confident that you have always been on the path leading you right where you need to be, when you need to be there. I know it’s been bumpy, but I see sunshine coming for you! I’m thinking of Ps. 16: 5-6 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

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