perspective

Last night our house was filled with stuffy noses and kids who couldn't sleep. Amid running from room to room, moving beds, and sleeping with fidgety children, I was reminded to be thankful.

While I was holding Sam in my arms at midnight b/c he couldn't sleep with a stuffed nose, I prayed.

I was thankful that I had a warm house with soft beds. Thankful that if all I had to deal with tonight was children who were mildly uncomfortable than lest I complain. I gave thanks for 3 healthy children who are safe under my roof. A home that I was blessed to buy with the money from a job that is a mark of provision.

I prayed prayers of peace for mother's holding their children in darkness. I prayed that they, as mother's, would be raised up to be the strength they need to be for their family and children during a painful time. I prayed for the woman holding an infant just like mine, in the middle of the night, like me, but without a comfy rocker and only cold pavement to sit on and no home to return to. I asked God to give her a community of people to rise up and be a sign of hope that they have not been forgotten by the other mother's of this world.

The people of Haiti need our money, but they need our compassion and prayers even more. They need us to remember that in our plenty, to be thankful. Thankful that we have above and beyond our basic needs, that we have plenty and can share with those who need.

Tonight when I am up, I will pray for those mother's again, hold my tiny baby in the middle of the night, and not be slightest bit bothered by his awakening, but rather take joy.