The Ladybug’s been away from home since Saturday afternoon visiting with Aunt and Mimi (Mr. Fix-It’s mom) and her cousin Noelle for a special “girls” weekend.
Let me just say right off, I don’t like it. I’m not a fan of my kids ever being away from home without me. It disrupts our routine, messes up the chore schedules, and leaves me driving around in circle because I forget where I’m going.
{True story…Tuesday I missed my 1st turn on the way to pick the boys because I was heading to the regular daycare and it was a special field trip day so they were at the Church. So I took a Plan B route that’s not quite the looong way around–but not the short way I should have gone either. I was cruising along and missed my 2nd turn because I never go that way and just drove right by it on mental auto-pilot. I couldn’t turn around until I was literally a block from our driveway! So my shortest pick-up of the week ended up being my longest!}
It makes my mind run wild with images of bridges collapsing and terrorist kidnappings and attacks by rabid foxes that I’m not there to stop. ( It’s mother-fear, people, there’s no logic involved. And I’ve been watching to much late-night news.)
Speedracer doesn’t like it either. He’s been fussing all week that “I want [Ladybug] home, mommy.”
The Cowboy just wants to know when they can have a boys night.
But she’ll be home this evening and I’m very excited.
And I’m tired of washing the eggs by myself.
And the puppy misses her.
And I’m tired of carrying the groceries by myself.
And her friends at church miss her.
And of all things, I’m tired of having an hour all by myself in the mornings before work. The boys leave with Mr. Fix-It at 7 and then she and I usually leave together about 7:50. I drop her off at daycamp (or school) and head to the office. That’s our time together, while I’m drying my hair and she’s practicing her piano and we’re washing eggs. While we make my bed and straighten up the living room and snatch a few minutes at my workshop table together and talk about all the things she’ll do when she grows up and is, “like, 10 or something.”
I miss her.
A lot.
I miss her helping hands and her bright blue eyes and her dexterity (she’s the only one that can open the screen door for herself).
I miss her girl-talk and her big plans and her quirky fashion.
And I miss knowing exactly where she is and exactly what she’s doing now and exactly what she’s doing next in case she needs me…
…Or I need her.
I’m thankful that she’s able to go make special memories to treasure later on.
“Remember his marvelous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgements of his mouth.” (1 Chronicles 16:12)
And I’m thankful that she’s coming home tonight!
“At the same time, saith the Lord, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.” (Jeremiah 30:1)
But most of all, I’m thankful that she’s never alone, even when I can’t be there with her. That I can rest assured that my prayers for protection and safety are heard. That God can do abundantly more than I am even able to ask.
“Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:9)
So if I believe that I can turn into a rabid-fox-fighting SuperMomma as needed…I’m sure He’s got her covered.
