A Warm Bath

Recently I woke up early with hopes of a relaxing bath before the kids started bouncing around the house. As I slipped into my warm, bubbly bath I heard the pitter-patter of my youngest child heading for the bathroom. He burst in with a smile and said, "I want a baff wiff you!". I helped him get undressed and in the tub (what choice did I really have?). He slipped down into the deep, warm water and grinned. Then he quickly added, "I din't pee in da wader!!!!"

Life with children is always full of surprises, and sometimes so is your bathwater.

Kid-sized Compassion

Last night I was feeling very pleased about a conversation I was having with Brent (6) and Rachel (5). They were asking why I was preparing some food to take down to the elderly couple who lives in our basement; and why they lived there. I explained that we allow them to stay there because they have no money, no home and no job. I further took the opportunity to share with them the importance that Jesus placed on caring for people by meeting their real needs, like food and clothing. Brent kept firing away questions, while it seemed I could see the compasion and understanding growing in Rachel's eyes. Just when I thought I had conveyed the importance of these matters, Rachel nodded empathetically and said, "Yes, they are sooooo---poor they can't even afford teeth! They just chew with their lips!". I nearly burst out laugh. Compassion...kid-sized.

I Woke Up with the "Grumpies"...

Truth be known, I have a serious case of the "grumpies". I woke up this morning TOO early with Jake saying, "I haf-ta pee Mommie!" at which point I also realized that we STILL HAVE NO WATER. It has been two days already and will probably not come on for a while yet. Everything feels dirty....laundry and dishes piling up. And I really want to wash my hair! I usually wash it every other day....of course the water went off on the "really need to wash day". Since I'm already complaining, can I just say that I used my last bit of starbucks coffee this morning, our wood still hasn't come, it is raining AGAIN, and I'm really missing my family and friends who are far away! This level of grumpiness calls for serious counter-measures....blessing counting.

I'm blessed by....healthy children who constantly entertain and amuse me; a spouse who loves me; a fairly warm house and blankets; food on the shelf; electricity; people who love and pray for us; internet that is working; a great team; a blue passport that gifts me more freedom than most; laughter in our home; and one last cup of starbucks....

Phew!!! It worked; the "grumpies" are gone.