And why am I whining?

I've been thinking about posting about our laments of what transpired on Monday. But, the more I think about it...I have NOTHING to whine about. That's because on this day nine years ago so many more suffered losses so great compared with anything I have ever experienced. I guess it's the survivor's guilt that we all live with. We were all witnesses to a horrific evil that seemed way too close to home. But, I was very thankful for the country I had just returned to and how so many responded. I had come home just a little over month before that famous 9/11, after having lived in Japan. While I was in Japan I witnessed the aftermath of the Kobe earthquake. That was also an unspeakable tragedy. But, the response was different. There was more of a stoic, hopeless sense of fate. Many who survived ended up committing suicide. So, I was very greatly moved by how many Americans stood together and said, "Let's pray!" I felt more thankful than ever to be living in America.

So, I guess that's what my response needs to be to each little mundane "catastrophe" of my daily life. This week we thought we'd have a restful Monday. Turned out that during Penny's shower we had water back up into our utility room thanks to overgrown tree roots in the pipes. The water ended up getting under tile, carpet and walls. So, we had Service Master come over. Monday was supposed to be my laundry day. Well, that couldn't happen as they moved the washer and dryer to our garage. They will likely be out of commission for close to a month. I'm not too excited about having to go to the laundry mat for a month. But, thankfully, it sounds like insurance should cover everything.


It was a year ago today that I started working at a new preschool. My previous school had cut my hours down to 15 per week. Well, I am now back up to about 30+ hours. Unfortunately, my husband is still only working 10 hours per week. But, he has gotten a couple of phone calls for job interviews this week. So, that comes as an answer to prayer. We had another answer to prayer with some unexpected money that is almost exactly what we need for this month's house payment. God is good!

We are planning to join a small group in our neighborhood of families from our church this Fall. The book that we'll be studying is called, "Fearless" by Max Lucado. I think I need to join that group, because I certainly don't feel fearless. But, someone recently said, "But look at how brave you were to adopt a teenager." I think bravery is not the lack of fear. I think it means you step forward into your fears. When I am weak that is when my Savior is so strong. Praying that you all sense His strong presence in your lives, too.