September 10, 2009 | Mama Smith

Grace in Small Things: Day 252 of 2009

What happens when you tell a toddler to “go get dressed”

I can’t think of a BETTER day to pick up where I left off months ago in remembering the grace that comes in the small things.

With two little piggys running around (yes, in case you haven’t heard, swine flu has taken up residence in our house this week) we have been confined to our 1000 sq. ft. space for over 72 hours now.

Day 4 of coughing, runny noses, echinacea tinctures, constantly refilled sippy cups, lysol wipes, and raw skin from so much hand washing is upon us. A perfect set-up for hair-pulling and general mothering/nursing burn out.

And yet somehow, with the windows opened, cool air blowing in, and a warm cup of coffee in hand, I can honestly say I feel…okay. There have been moments, but all I can believe is that grace has been offered to me this morning or I would be pulling out my hair, throwing bottles of vitamins against the wall, and asking my boys to please take care of themselves while I quietly slip off to the Caribbean.

So here goes. Grace in the small things. Sick house version. On this 252nd day of the year.

1. That my boys are now old enough to actually enjoy a board game or two on these sick days. Filling a good half hour. Instead of just wanting to watch movie after movie.

2. That, even though the swine flu is ravaging the body of my two boys as I stand by helpless, they are recovering and will be back to their healthy, boisterous selves soon. Not everyone has been that lucky in the face of this virus.

3. That despite feeling like CRAP (hacking, seal-esque voice, crazy fever, and all), Brighton has fought well, rarely complaining and creatively filling the many hours stuck indoors, often without my help. Including duck-duck-goose with trains, the only available playmates who can’t catch his bug.

4. That Levi wants to actually cuddle and hang out on my lap. A rarity when his brain and body aren’t fuzzy from illness. I’ll take whatever I can get though.

5. That there is Someone walking with me through every minute of every looong day. Offering much grace, patience, and laughter where there should be none. And most importantly, offering me something more beautiful, captivating and visceral to focus on, in the midst of really crummy circumstances…Himself.

Wage a battle against embitterment and take part in 365 days of Grace in Small Things