Splash the Puddles

We all want (and need) that one person who can sympathize with us and whatever we may be going through. I know I find so much comfort in knowing that I am not the only one who's been "there."   When I'm struggling in my parenting, I find so much resolve in conversing with other moms of boys. When I've had a difficult day with my students, I lean on one of my teacher friends. When my weary emotional self feels insecure, I turn to special friends who know me inside and out and also struggle with their own insecurities to remind me where my security lies. And that I'm not alone in my struggle. When Walker is covered head to toe in hives and I've had it up to "here" with unidentified triggers, it's helpful to talk to someone else who's dealt with the frustration.  When a lizard jumps off the table  directly at you while you are peacefully sunbathing at the beach, causing you to hop up and run faster than you ever have before, all the while sc...

Our family has very recently been the victim of theft. Again. This time it's a little different than when our van was stolen from our driveway. This time, our privacy was invaded on a much more personal level. This time, the hands of thieves touched clothes hanging in my closet, socks and underwear tucked away in our drawers. Their hands touched a precious gift someone gave us that has photos of my children on it, in order to take something plugged in behind it.  Their fingerprints are all over our home and could very easily be on our hearts if we allowed it.  Thankfully none of us were home, and we are all safe. All glory to God for that most important detail.  When something like this happens to you, especially twice, I think it could be easy to harbor bitterness and live in fear. And if I am being honest, both times this has occurred, those two things were my initial reaction.   However, bitterness and fear bring darkness and anger and those two things have no pla...