Flu. Drywall. Gratitude.

 We had a full weekend planned with friends that all of us were eagerly anticipating. 

I was in charge of bringing chicken fettuccini alfredo (enough to feed 8 adults and 15 kids) to one event, chili and sourdough to another, and key lime to the last. My children had plans. It was going to be a lot of work, but with easy, likeminded families who love our children and share our worldview. It was going to be restful in a sense.

Then, my daughter got very sick. I spent the morning holding her close to me in a crowded urgent care waiting room. I rightly assumed she had an ear infection, and left with a prescription for amoxicillin and a positive test for Flu A. Our plans were canceled. I have four loaves of sourdough, a giant pot of chili, and two key lime pies in the fridge. 

While I was at urgent care, my husband discovered our fridge's water tubing had been leaking into the wall of our kitchen for several days. Several trips to home depot later, I now have a giant hole behind the fridge and a kitchen floor desperately in need of a good mopping. 

The Lord was kind to direct me to a blog today written about the things we can control in any circumstance. I scribbled them down in the front of my Bible.

1. words

2. attitudes

3. motives

4. actions

5. thoughts

As I sat looking at my blank journal page while my feverish daughter snored next to me, I thought through each of these as well as the day I thought I would have versus the one the Lord in his kindness allowed. 

What words would bless my disappointed children today? How can I edify and encourage my husband who labors without complaining to repair our kitchen with a wrist that was recently operated on?

What attitude would be best to model?

Are my motives those of sowing seeds of peace? Humility? Joy?

My actions? Am I walking in a manner worthy of the Lord?

Do my thoughts line up with Philippians 4:8?

Where I essentially landed for today was: am I practicing gratitude? Do I truly believe God is sovereign over missed parties, sick children, and wet drywall? Can I thank Him for an anonymous gift that coincides with expensive dental work and not also for a positive flu test? 

As I watch my daughter's dark eyelashes flutter against her flushed cheeks, I find myself thankful that I can be the one to care for her. 

As I hear my husband pushing the fridge back into its place, I find myself thankful that I have a husband who is willing and capable of doing repairs around our home.

I am thankful for friends who pray for my family and are willing to reschedule events because they know my children and know how excited they were. 

Please, Lord, help me to remember who you are and all that you have given me.