Smile Needed

Need a smile? Read on.....

I'm not sure exactly what it is... but I've been feeling like my kids are not behaving as I expect them to. I think part of it is summer, part of it is neighbors, and part of it is starting first grade and being gone all day long. Anyway, I'm the kind of mom that if I'm feeling my control slipping for even just a couple days- I feel out of sorts. I recognize that if I'm yelling more and frustrated often- then I (not my kids)- am doing something wrong. I know that when I am in control it is easy to be calm. So we've all been sick (well, actually just the youngest and oldest of us) and so the lack of sleep and energy I've had completely makes it worse. I was feeling worse and worse about myself as a mom, wife, homemaker, friend... you name it. (You understand, right ladies?)

Randomly on Saturday my mom called me to see if I wanted to go shopping for a couple hours while the boys in her life were at a movie. I told her we were on our way to a town party :( Trevor said it may be good for me to get some girl time and he was happy to let me go (as long as I took babies.... I always love that husband fine print. You can have as much time to yourself as you need as long as you take 2/5ths of the children :) So funny- love you honey). I didn't respond to Trev and must have needed it enough that I just called her back and met her. 

We had had a busy weekend and I was starving. So we met at Chilis, (yes they have a gluten free menu- and yes I am now in a reaction anyway) and I went on and on and on and on about how I didn't know what to do. I went through each child and unloaded all my woes and asked for any wisdom she may have. She was so patient and kind. She started telling me tips and advice that helped her with her wonderful children. (I don't know how she could have ever needed any help with such a perfect daughter:)) I am hardly taking breaths as I go on and on and on- desperately needing some sort of anything to help me out of this bad mental place that I had gotten myself in.

Suddenly the server comes over to check on us again (seriously.... can't you see we're in the middle of a desperately needed conversation?!) But instead she says, "I'm supposed to tell you that your check is taken care of. So you are free to leave whenever you are finished." My eyes filled with tears and I looked at my mom just as she looked at me- her eyes were filled as well.

I don't have any idea of who did it or why. But it made me feel, once again, that angels are among us. God knew I needed a pick me up. And some amazing person acted upon that feeling to do something for someone else. Thank you. Whoever you are. Thank you.

It reminded me that I am not alone in all this. That I am not alone in anything. That there is an army of angels ready and willing to help me at any moment for anything. I can do this, and God trusts me. Thank you.