My family and 40 others in our small town community were affected by the sudden layoff one week ago.
From generous figures to a big, fat zero in a superficial zoom call.
That’s how much he was valued.
I couldn’t control that.
The outcome.
The salary.
The families.
The changes.
The impending decisions.
The slamming brakes in plans.
The cancelled anniversary trip.
None of it.
But my husband reminded me to control what I could. To keep busy with what was around me.
Today, I decided that I would control how I showed up for our kids.
They knew what had happened— and we all knew we would be okay, because of Jesus.
But in those seasons of unknowns— kids still needed to know you’ve got their backs.
They still needed the love you.
They still needed hugs.
They still needed laughs.
They still needed their families.
I packed up my tired self after an early radio morning show—and went to surprise him for a lunch date in the school cafeteria.
This “cool” nine year old had shock across his face when he caught my eye. In a stress free moment, he yelled my name and jumped into my arms like a silly toddler.
I was still a cool mom. At least for today.
And he saw that he was worth the extra effort in a town that was full-blast out of control.
We ate our taco burgers, sipped the chocolate milk— and our time ended. It was off to recess as he walked away telling me goodbye.
And, I knew his day had been made.
Loving others was always something that could be controlled.
Love was something that made the chaos turn to peace.
Love always won.
My kid already knew it— but as a tired adult in a weary world, I finally remembered once more to claim it again.
Luke 6:38 (New International Version)
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Simply Blooming Grace 