23 Penguins

The Day Blankie was Absent from Preschool

Austin started preschool at the beginning of this month.  As usual, I was far more concerned (ok, worried!) than necessary...  He made the transition well. 

One day in the middle of the month, we were pulling into the parking lot when we realized that "Blankie" had gotten left at home.  ("Blankie" is a 12-inch, fairly square, one-side-satin, one-side-flannel, blue blanket that has been with Austin from the beginning.  It still generally goes everywhere with him, but is especially desired when he is hurt, scared, or lonely.)  The general routine is that Blankie goes in the backpack when Austin meets his teacher at the door.  So since we were already there and school was starting, I told him he would be fine and I would bring it when I picked him up.  He survived, but I still wonder if I made the right move.

What I knew, was that he doesn't see or touch Blankie while he is in the classroom.  What I realized later, is that that fact doesn't matter.  It is simply knowing Blankie is in his backpack that provides Austin with security and comfort at school.  He doesn't have to see it or touch it.  It is Blankie's presence that he counts on.

Blankie has had perfect attendance since.

So we're all grown up and way past preschool days... and our "blankies" have changed.  But presence is still key, especially to those of us who lean on God for our comfort and security.  For while we can't see or touch God, he is never absent.  We can always count on his presence to comfort and sustain us.

Arrgggh!!

Maybe it's the perfectionist side of me... whatever it is, it keeps me from posting consistently.  I have a great idea, or something happens that I want to blog about, but then I keep waiting for the "right" time to post.  You know what I'm talking about... a few uninterrupted minutes, or an appropriate frame of mind, or a less-tired body.

Even though I have the privilege of being a stay-at-home wife and mom, there still do not seem to be enough hours in the day.  Don't get me wrong:  I love it.  There are few things better than playing tackle football in the snow with my three-year-old or riding up the ski lift with my middle school son or spending the day tailgating and cheering on the Patriots with Rob.  Yeah, cooking and cleaning and laundry are do-it-cause-you-have-to's... but I wouldn't trade my life for anyone's.

However, there is still the time issue.  Three-and-a-half years of broken sleep leave my brain pretty mushy most of the time.  And once we get the boys down for bedtime, Rob and I fall onto the couch to talk and watch whatever sporting event might be on that night or the occasional movie.  So sitting down at my computer isn't a high priority come days end.

They say people make time for what is important.  I would like to stick with my list of excuses instead of own up to that statement.  But maybe for now, "Arrgggh!" is enough.

Along with a renewed commitment to post more consistently.

Day-to-Day

One of the three TV shows that I manage to watch on a fairly regular basis is "Criminal Minds."  It revolves around an elite team of FBI profilers who analyze the country's most twisted criminal minds, anticipating their next moves before they strike again.  The task takes its toll on the personal lives of the team, albeit in various ways.

In recent episodes one of the team members, Morgan, has revealed a crisis of faith.  We haven't been told what it hinges on or when it all started, but he definitely has a difficult time believing in and trusting God.  Last week, he found himself in a chapel.  Praying for the first time in years.

In the closing scene, Rossi - the most prominent member of the FBI unit and the only one privy to Morgan's struggle - confronts Morgan, "How's the faith thing going?"

Morgan looks at the ground, then back up at Rossi.  "Day-to-day."

Isn't it that way for all of us?  Crisis or no crisis... it's  day-to-day journey.

This is the day that God made and has given to us.  May we live it to the fullest...

In the Dark

Austin was looking for a particular train the other day.  "Oh, I know!  It's down in the basement," he exclaimed as he headed down the stairs.

About the time I got to the stairs to follow him, he was coming up.  He asked, "Mom, can you come down here with me?  It's dark... and kind of scary."

"Sure thing," I told him, and proceeded to follow him back down the stairs.

As I reached to turn on the lights, he stopped me.  "Wait mom, it's okay if it's dark now... you're down here with me!"

Amazing how the dark is not as scary when we are not alone...

Happy Birthday, My Friend

For the first time in several years, it is June 2nd and I am not making a birthday phone call.

We didn't always connect, but at the very least I would leave a message.  "Just calling to say 'Happy Birthday' and to let you know I am thankful for you and I love you."

Richard was my youth minister when I was in middle school and high school.  And in the years that followed, our relationship shifted from mentor/student to one of friendship.  His death a little over a month ago has left me with an empty space.  He was and will always be special to me.

So, "Happy Birthday, Richard!"  It is my hope that heaven is celebrating with you today, the day God chose to introduce you to the world 62 years ago.