S-T-R-E-T-C-H-E-D

Is there enough of me to go around? There are days (like this one...like this whole week actually) that I wonder. It's all good, mind you, but I'm definitely relying on the grace of God to get me through.

Sarah told me the other day that she was "stressed out" because "it just seems like somebody always NEEDS something" and "I'm just used to being the youngest". Hannah broke down last night because she didn't like what we were having for supper and K was interrupting her when she was reading. After talking it out, she was able to express that she's feeling a bit neglected. Dana asked for a kiss good night last night and I felt like refusing (which I didn't) and saying, "You need me too? I got nothin' left!"

11:15, 12:15, 3:00, 3:30, 3:45 (2), 4:45, 5:00 (2), 6:00 (2), 7:30, 8:00, 8:15 (2)
These are the times today that I'm either supposed to drop someone or something off, pick someone up, call someone, or be somewhere. The 2's mean I'm really supposed to be 2 places at once. Somewhere in there everyone will need dinner. Dana will not be home until after 9:00 tonight. These are not the optional leisure activities of an overcommitted family. With a child "in the system" at our house, most of these times are beyond my control. The only things we'd normally have today would be to drop off my children at swimming at 6:00 and pick them up at 7:30.

I'm a person who typically goes into control mode when things feel out of control. I'm quick to try to "fix" the circumstances that are causing stress. Sometimes there are some things that need fixing. However, I've come to realize that many of the circumstances I'd like fixed are exactly the experiences God is using to grow my faith and dependence upon Him.

"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13) I don't think this verse is some promise for accomplishment or a "you can do it" type of mentality, but a call to persevere in the midst of trial. I really CAN do everything Christ calls me to when I'm dependent on His power and strength to do it. Disorganization and chaos (perceived or real) have a way of driving me to my knees in a way that nothing else does. It's difficult to know that God has brought trial into the lives of my children. It's hard to see them stretched.

I'm pleasantly surprised to find that while I'm feeling S-T-R-E-T-C-H-E-D, I'm at peace. We know that God has called us to foster care. I can honestly sing with Chris Tomlin, "There's a peace I've come to know. Though my heart and flesh may fail, there's an Anchor for my soul. I can say, 'It is well.'" So, here is what I cling to today...

...the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. I am confident of this: that He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Jesus, in view of Your mercy, I offer my body to You as a living sacrifice...my spiritual act of worship. (Romans 8:26, 28; Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 1:6; Romans 12:1)

Don't you just LOVE the word of God?!!!