Perspective

It's Wednesday and I'm wading through piles and piles of laundry accumulated during last night's hourly barf fest courtesy of my 3 year old. What's more ironic is that last night just after the last child had closed their eyes, Mike and I sat down on the couch and I said aloud how nice it was to have all the laundry done, the house cleaned and the children in bed. About 30 seconds after that comment we heard the wretching screams of a vomiting child and ran upstairs to confirm our fears. And so, we partied hourly throughout the night. Blah.

As much as I abhor cleaning up vomit and trying to keep sick kids isolated - God has used this time to remind me to THANK Him. Yes, even in vomit stained pj's..Thank Him - even on 2 hours sleep. Yes, Thank Him - when the sick child purposely spits in the healthy baby's face. Yes, THANK HIM.. Do I sound crazy yet? Let me encourage you that this is how we're supposed to react to life's inconveniences. Sure, they are annoying and cause us to groan. But how can we be truly thankful in times where things go outside of our own plans?

 Just Monday I had the honor of meeting an incredible woman. A mother of three, like myself. However, this mom of three cannot hold her sick child. When her child vomits, she has to put on a mask and go in another room - or she'll likely be hospitalized. That's what happened the last few times her kids got sick - she caught it and landed in the hospital. In fact, she spent most of this last October hospitalized. At only 37 years old, this mom - no different than you or I - was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. Her chances of survival are slim according to the doctors. In her words, she needs a miracle. As we talked, her eyes filled with tears as she pointed out the 60+ young moms filling the room, "I was just like all of you," she told my friend and I. "A busy stay at home mom of three kids...And I'll never be that carefree again." I felt like I had been punched in the gut - and was instantly convicted of all of the stupid complaints I make..I never have enough time, the kids never pick up after themselves, I'm in my car more than I am my house etc. etc. etc.. all are so disgustingly petty and irrelevant in the face of this sweet woman's REAL life gripping issue.

So this morning, as I hold my sick boy and wade through vomit - I am painfully aware that I am blessed, so blessed to be able to care for my child and comfort him in his sickness...THIS is a gift, if we choose to see it that way. I know Angela would give anything to be able to do the same.. Please remember my new friend in your prayers and count your blessings TODAY, NOW, wherever you are, for EVERYTHING you have and EVERY circumstance you find yourself in at this very moment. Someone else would give anything to trade places with you.