Thursday. The last full day of the last week of school where the children have attended since kindergarten. It is regretful that I waited five days to record this part of my journey; however, the rolling along of events can be likened to the "I Love Lucy" episode where she and Ethel worked at the candy factory with a conveyor belt gone wild. After dropping the children off at school, my morning filled quickly with last-minute grocery shopping and Christmas preparations. As I look back, I see what a blessing it is that our farewell week occurred the same week as Christmas. We were all distracted with plans to see family, to travel, to give gifts and...yes to GET gifts too.
To my dear friends who read this blog I feel safe in admitting that I invested more time than usual choosing my outfit for the night of the school Christmas program. I even bought new jewelry to go with my thrift bargain dress. Perhaps that evens the score since the dress was a thrift deal and the jewelry was a Kohl's deal. I guess I didn't want to look back and say, "Yikes! Couldn't you had thought of something better than a Christmas jumper to wear?!"
Anyhow, school got out and I swooped up the children to drive them home - after a visit to the Popcorn Parlor - to be welcomed by Grama and Papa. I am so thankful they were there! Almost the instant I walked in the door, the phone was ringing. I found our relocation specialist, Donna, on the other line. While she kindly chatted details of the move with me, my call waiting was beeping in my ear. I ignored the call waiting off course. Who do you suppose was trying to call me while I was talking to the lady who is in charge of moving my home 1,975 miles? It was the property management company for the house we applied for rental. If I wouldn't had known better, I would have thought my bedroom was spinning. I found myself at the bottom of the funnel where the only option is: Out. Out of the home I raised my four children in (up to the tween years). Out of the neighborhood where people still get together for coffee and talk over the fence. Out of the town I knew all good shopping spots and doctors and dentists and friends and family. Out of Illinois where our dearest friends and beloved family abide. Out of the midwest where I had taught my children the joy of the outdoors and appreciate God's creation.
But stop. The Christmas program awaited and hair had to be done and dresses put on and, oh, yeah - we had to eat supper too. Slowly I stepped down the stairs to the basement where the children's classrooms are and slowly I took each detail in. The laughter of the children. The smile of the parents. The smell of the teacher's candles and coloring crayons. Upstairs in the sanctuary, I greeted friends and made an effort to reach out to all who had touched my heart. The children did a tremendously wondrous job for their Christmas pageant. Out of the nine we have attended, this was truly the most remarkable school Christmas program. How joyfully Elaina sang with a smile on her face and bounce in her step. Meghan so poised with her girlfriends singing a special girls' ensamble piece. Seth so dutifully played the part of a shepherd looking for the Christ child. And Samantha bedazzled us all with her speech chorale performance. When all heads finally rested upon their pillows, it was silent throughout the house that night. The last night before the last day of the last week. I am thankful and content. Though the conveyor belt continues to whiz by, it is filled with such good treats from my Lord. He has given me more than enough and is all I will ever need.
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