Perspective

Life's events have a way of putting all things in perspective.  Today I was reminded how important it is to remain calm, cool and collected in this role called parenting.  Every reaction I have to every situation is going to affect my kids in 1 way or another.  Positively or negatively.  This morning was my first early Bible Study Fellowship leader's meeting of the year.  On my way home, I heard a plug on the radio for a book called Unglued - Making Wise Choices in the Midst of Raw Emotions by Lysa Terkeurst.  I listened to a perfect illustration of what this looks like as I was driving.  I get home about 8 and finish helping get the girls ready for school.  And because rain has the worst timing, it started to pour just as we were heading out.   I didn't throw a fit but I am irritated because I can't find my umbrella.  I accused Morgan of taking mine (since she has the same one) because chances are she can't find hers since she isn't always interested in putting things away.  Nate went along to drop them off and he walked them down.  I decided to kiss them goodbye in the van (because I had no umbrella) and off they went.  Nate and I returned home and soon my phone rings.  The call is from the school reach call system and I find this odd as these calls usually come in the evening as a reminder of schedule changes, information from our school principal or that my hot lunch account needs more money.  I was surprised to hear a message from the Superintendent regarding the current lock down situation at Normal Community High School.  I was shocked to hear the details of the 14 year old boy who shot a gun at the ceiling in a classroom.  Thank God no one was hurt outside of scared out of their minds.  Bless the teacher who tackled him at just the right time to avoid potential tragedy.  All other schools in the district continued their day as usual.  As I waited to pick them up at 3:30, I heard an interview on the local radio station with a lady who works at Eastview Christian Church, neighbor to NCHS and their evacuation site. She gave some details about the situation after talking to the teacher who is now being called a hero.   It sounds like the boy had a rough upbringing.  It makes me think that he could have been at the bad end of someone coming Unglued one too many times.  Kudos to today's educators as their job title goes way beyond teaching.  They are counselors, correctors, teachers of not just reading, writing, math & science.  I have to add to that Social Studies & PE for my siblings.  They are teachers of life.  Because so many kids today walk into schools as K'ers and haven't been taught a thing (at least not much on the positive side) about life.  This is so evident among so many in the school the girls attend.  It challenges me to have a heart for these kids rather than disappointment or irritation.  It challenges me more to chill out and not sweat the small stuff with my own girls - especially in the hectic morning hours before school.  And to be willing to overcome anything to be what they need.  Because once they walk out that door, you just don't know, you just don't know....

My best college buddy Traci harassed me for the delay in my postings.  I realize this post isn't what she was looking for when she said she needed some laughs.  Sorry T as you see so much of "ugly" in the daily challenges your job offers.  I needed to type this out to summarize the emotions of the day.  It's just downright frightening at how quickly life can change, so you better be ready!