Yesterday was a welcomed busy day after a lonely Sunday. Weekends often are hard just because that is the usual family time. This Sunday seemed harder than normal probably because I had gotten used to being stuck on an island with 16 other people for a week. So it isn’t strange that I would feel extra lonely on that day. To make matters worse, my friend who I usually sit with at church wasn’t there. There is nothing like sitting alone at church. I sat where Bruce and I used to sit because it seemed like the most likely place to go if I was going to sit alone. I know many people at this church so I could have found someone else but I just didn’t think it through. Next time, I will do a better job of that!
Yesterday, though, I was plunged back into busyness. Benjamin started practicing with the cross country team. I am so happy about that, partly because Bruce always hoped he would run cross country if he went to school. I was also excited when his coach told me he was the fourth fastest runner. He earned a varsity letter last year and I just can’t help but be a proud mother. He has so much potential in running, just like his dad. Bruce ran Cross Country in High School and College. What made my day busy was realizing that Benjamin needed a sports physical that day or he couldn’t practice with the team. So we figured it all out but it took a big chunk out of our day. I wonder how single parents who work are able to figure all these things out. I am thankful that for now, I don’t have to work.
The kids and I have enjoyed watching the Olympics these last few night. I am thankful that my kids are still home and I am not all alone. I love spending time with them and to a large degree, my life hasn’t changed to the degree that it could have changed under the circumstances. For that too, I praise God and am in awe at His provision. You know the saying, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” I think that was one big lesson I have learned this year. I have learned to let go of the little things that I can’t control anyways and not to get all caught up in the “spilled milk” issues of life. I’m not perfect in that, but if you knew me before–I think you would realize the difference.
I was at church the other night for a missions night update. I looked around the room filled with people and realized that there are probably lots of others in that room who felt lonely and hurting too. It gave me some perspective and reminded me to continue to seek God, be in His word and practice being thankful. I have many good things in my life that I hope to set my mind on. The theme song for the night was 10,000 reasons by Matt Redman. You can find the lyrics below. It the desire of my heart today.
10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman
Bless the lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship his holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I worship you holy name
The sun comes up
Its a new day dawning
Its time to sing your song again
What ever may pass and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes
Bless the lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship his holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I worshhip your holy name
You’re rich in love and you’re slow to anger
Your name is great and your heart is kind
For all your goodness i will keep on singing
10,000 reasons for my heart to find
Belss the lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship his holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I worship your holy name
And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Soon my soul will sing your praise un-ending
10,000 years and there forever more
Bless the lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship his holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I worship your holy name
Bless the lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship his holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I worship your holy name (repeat 3x)
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I worship your holy name (repeat 3x)
westgoeseast 