Waiting

I am sitting at my computer.  There is a load of laundry in the dryer and another on top that needs to be dried a bit more.  My littlest one is taking a bath and when he is done I will go up to read with him, pray with him and tuck him into bed.  My husband is accompanying the little guy as he bathes.  My oldest child is reading a magazine at the table behind me (and now coming over to show me things because he seems to sense when I am trying to concentrate on something on the computer).  I have a meatloaf cooking in the oven which will be done sometime after I put the babe to sleep.  That is also when I expect to fold laundry.

So I am waiting on many things, but there is also a storm over my head not literally yet, but coming my way.  As is often the case with storms the news and weather folks are going wild about how we need to be prepared and that this could be the big one.  The implication being that it will change and perhaps even destroy lives and properties.  We have tidied up our yard today and tried to make sure things are secure and safe.  Our basement tends towards flooding so we have put things up higher.  (That is also why I am doing laundry on a Sunday which is a day I usually take off from laundry).  Finally we have candle, flashlights, lanterns, batteries and there is propane in the tank of our grill.  We are expected to lose power.  We already know school is canceled for the next 2 days.  Harry's school is a designated shelter in our town and those in low lying areas have been advised to go elsewhere (not mandatory though).

So we are waiting and wondering and hoping for the best.  I remember when I was younger and found storm invigorating and exciting.  I didn't then have the responsibilities that I have now.  I have 2 young boys who need caring for.  However, now I have done what I can and the storm is not yet here.  The chores I can do tonight will soon be done.  I think I will try to find that excitement so I can be ready for the extra time with my boys and also think of some activities we can share together in the absence of our normal luxuries of power.  Maybe that won't happen, but if it does and I will have had the opportunity in this waiting period to be ready.

Sometimes God springs new things on us, but sometimes we know ahead of time that transitions are coming or we suspect that they may be coming.  This is one of those times, I find those are times when I want to try my best to enjoy and grow in the waiting period, because I cannot change the bad things in life and they will come, storm or no storm, but I can change how I respond and how I perceive the storm.  It may bring something that I didn't know I needed, like 2 extra days of vacation with my precious children.

In the meantime, if you are reading this tonight, please say a prayer for those in danger that they may be upheld in God's hand and weather the storm without to much distress.