Sometimes things just stink. Sometimes you throw your hands up in the air and ask in a very sarcastic voice, “Really, God? Is there anything else you want to throw my way right now?” And sometimes, the answer to that is, “Yes,” and then things stink harder.
You might recall from my last post that two weeks ago we all had sinus infections and began antibiotics. This has been a house of illness since then. I’ve had what we’ll call “stomach” issues for two weeks. Zach came down with the chicken pox on Saturday. (It’s a long story.) The urgent care doctor also said he has mild pneumonia. He has to stay in the house for a week. I came down with an ear infection Sunday. Something is “off” about Eliza, where she doesn’t want to go to school and is super clingy. She busted her upper lip Sunday and had to go to the dentist. Last week our fridge broke. Last night the dishwasher did. Greg is moving into an office amid all of this. I think I’m forgetting something.
People say “When it rains, it pours,” and sometimes that is the case, like with the past several days for us. But it’s when we are at our weakest and most needy that God provides a big umbrella.
We have been covered with offers for help. One friend lent me numbing ear drops so I could sleep Sunday night before being able to see a doctor on Monday. Two friends – one who has three of her own kids – offered to take Eliza off my hands, and so I was able to get her out of the house for three glorious hours yesterday. Two friends offered to bring us dinner. One of them – another friend with three kids – made us a fantastic meal Monday night that saved the day. My next door neighbor picked up milk for me and I ordered the rest of my groceries online through Peapod.
There was a time when I thought reaching out to others for help would somehow reflect weakness on my part. But since having kids, I’ve realized it’s impossible to live life without community. And in our recent time of need, my friends and neighbors have really covered us and blessed us.
It’s only Wednesday and I already find that we’re coming out the other end of this. And that’s how it is with life’s ebbs and flows and calms and storms. The current stench is lifting and I smell a brighter day – one when I can help others in the same way they have helped me, because when your life is full of sunshine, you should have an umbrella to spare.
I can't even pee in peace 
ahhhh, but what you failed to mention is that you HAVE helped others… namely me… a ton in the recent past few months. holy cow, girl. if i believed in karma, i would say that you have well earned any positive karma you are receiving right now…. but i don’t believe in karma. i believe in the idea of the law of giving and receiving, blessed to be a blessing and so on. i think it is biblical or something 🙂 (*wink). you have and continue to bless many around you… and so it is a blessing for those of us that can, to be able to return the blessing. ps… if eliza wants to come over today around 3:30 or 4, she is welcome to. i even have some choc chip cookies to offer her. 🙂
I am so with you! We have had a difficult past three weeks as well. It just reminds us how much we need the Lord. He knows what will keep us on our knees. And that’s just where we need to be. Thanks for posting!
Chelsea, you are the gift that keeps on giving. Can you please not move??? Veronica, thanks so much for reading! Sometimes we don’t lean on Him unless we have to … and unfortunately, I think I am guilty of forgetting to go to Him when things are sunny and perfect. I hope whatever happened in February passed and that all is well with you now.