In the movies women wake up looking gorgeous. That's not my reality.
Determined to get my grandson and myself to church, I fumbled for my morning battle gear in the dark, windowless bathroom.
Toothbrush.
Face wash.
Deodorant
Makeup. Lots of make-up.
I pictured our church family enjoying the gourmet Mother's Day breakfast while I ate cold leftover eggs from my grandson's plate.
Without electricity to lift the door, our garage became Alcatraz. I yanked the emergency release cord like a crazed prisoner attacking cell bars. The door remained as unmovable as a Cool Hand Luke prison guard.
My husband Jake, the go-to guy, was already at church serving the other mothers their breakfast feast.
Our normally helpful grandson Asher offered his observation, "Wow Grandma, you look kinda crazy."
Frustration Level: Rising
Mother Day Joy: Decreasing
What example would this granny set?
A) Cry and kick the garage door down with my 3" spiked heels (my personal choice).
B) Use biblical wisdom.
. . . when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. James 2-3 NLT
God's Word put things in perspective. Besides, my situation was too puny even for the "light and momentary affliction" category.
I chose to thank God for His overflowing blessings throughout the rest of the day.
- My genteel British neighbor, a mom herself, used her martial arts muscles to free us from our garage.
- Friends at church tamed my Vampira make-up and hair.
- I spent time with my beautiful mother and daughter.
- The men at our church, Bible Truth Ministries designed a special Mother's Day service for us, and gave roses and hand-signed cards to each lady.
- My grandson presented me with a special Mother's Day edification in front of our church family.
- I spent time with my incredible husband who normally wouldn't let me lift a finger on Mother's Day.
Even though my Mother's Day provided definite growth opportunities, I felt blessed.
What do you do when your special days aren't so special?
If yours felt a bit rocky, try this encouragement. Ecclesiastes 3:4 (NLT) reminds us of,
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
Let's choose the laughter and dancing whenever possible.