Life has been a little rocky lately. Today was no different. My husband is recovering from surgery in a rehabilitation hospital. I’m learning how hard it is to be a “single parent”, even if it is temporary. I haven’t been very responsive to my kids’ needs, so when Daniel suggested Ethan and I walk the neighborhood with Daniel on his bike, I agreed. All was going well, Daniel riding ahead and then circling back to us, Ethan noticing people, cars, nature around him. And then Ethan zigged while Daniel zagged. I was behind them watching, calling out to Ethan to be careful, but I couldn’t prevent the collision.
As the accident occurred, I watched every millisecond to ensure Ethan’s head was o.k. I knew, because I saw it, that it was just an unfortunate accident, but nothing that would require a trip to the hospital. Daniel, however, was freaked out. He wanted to carry Ethan all the way home – and he is barely double Ethan’s weight. I asked Ethan to show me everywhere that hurt, assessed that he was banged up but fine, and asked him if he could walk. Though I carried him part of the way home, he walked most of it. He was in pain but fine.
Letting Daniel help clean the wounds and apply bandaids seemed to calm them both. Then I got dinner in the oven, and Ethan fell asleep on the couch. So, for the first time since 6am, I sat down to rest outside on the back porch. I was enjoying the flowers in my garden rather than worrying about the weeds when the rain came. There is nothing I love more than a summer rain. It energizes me, reminds me what it feels like to be alive. I walked into the garden, arms outstretched, feeling the raindrops fall on my skin. A tiny gift from God to remind me I’m not alone.
It was a gentle rain, and the birds continued chirping. Then the tree frogs offered their song. This song calms me almost as much as ocean waves, so there was peace for me in that garden, in that summer shower.
And then I sang a song that’s been keeping residence in my mind lately. Sang it softly – as the song requires – and felt another renewal. I was reminded that God welcomes me home in spite of my failures. Reminded that when all else fails, I love my children and can be what they need when it really matters.
Tomorrow will have its share of challenges, but I trust now – in the soothing light of dusk – that there will be small gifts from God to get me through.
Your day reminds me of the question that was asked this morning. “Where did you see God?” We often miss it because it’s in the little things like one brother helping tend the wounds of another.