A Very Long Day

I knew this day would be challenging, but oh man, did I underestimate it.  The phone was still ringing at 11:00 last night.  I am not a night person, so I was trying to think of something to be thankful for in the midst of it.  When it rang again at 5:30 this morning, I started to question why I have a phone.  It was my Mom asking when Madie was leaving for Hawaii.  I told her not until tomorrow afternoon, why?  She then proceeded to fill me in the late breaking news that Hawaii was being hit with a tsunami.  Huh.  My Dad kindly waited until 7:30 to call and let me know.  That was when I decided to wake Madie up and give her the good news.

Shortly after that Martha headed to Spokane with friends.  I had to track down Madie's wallet that she left in her Dad's car.  I dropped her off for the first leg of her trip, after many discussions about the sovereignty of God and why she can trust Him with all things.  I dropped off two more kids at friends houses and took Brooke to get her hair cut.  I spent most of the rest of the day driving people around town and mediating fights at home.  Somewhere in the afternoon Kiki bit Soren.  It was pretty ugly, so I put him in his cage in the garage.  He has been getting a shorter and shorter temper with the younger kids.  I don't have a high tolerance for dogs that bite children, so I called the hubby and asked for advice.  We are pretty sure the dog is going to have to find a new home.  I know this is going to rock Martha's world for a time, but I'm not coming up with any workable plans.  When I broke the news to Martha she locked herself in her room and cried.  She's still there.

I'm about worn out for the day.  This is only day one of my spring break, yippee.  In the midst of the howling and craziness, there is much to be thankful for.

#59-71

The dog bite did not require stitches.

Madison was safe in bed instead of parked in a car outside the evacuation zone in Hawaii.

The civil defense system in Hawaii seems to be very effective, and the island can tolerate a significant tsunami without loss of life.

The earthquake in Japan did not hit a major population area.

Although Martha is not very happy with me right now, she didn't run away, or threaten to kill herself.

Rick is home and not traveling this week.

So many friends that love to have my children in their homes.

The sunshine and warm weather today, that felt very springy.

Parents that really care about my children.

God has freed me from feeling anxious about the many things that could harm my family each day.  I know that we are all safe in Him, come what may.

I love my job, even on the long days.  Pouring my life out for these people is the most rewarding thing I could possibly do.  Some days I stink it up, but God has to teach them about forgivness somehow, right?

Peace in my heart, in the midst of the chaos.