Thursday, August 13, 2009

Some days are like that, even in Australia

First of all, name that book.

Second of all, let me tell you a little story.

Yesterday started badly when both boys woke up at 6:30, having soaked their beds. I figured it was going to continue on this way when I realized there was no electricity in the house. A storm the night before had knocked down a few trees up the hill which in turn knocked down a few telephone poles. We talked to one of the guys working to get things fixed and he said they would have to replace several of the poles, so we would be without power for most, if not all of the day. A few things had to be decided right away. What should we do about the food in the fridge? The forecast was ninety degrees, and without AC, this did not bode well for the milk and the frozen chicken. We decided to fill the fridge with ice and hope for the best. We also needed to decide what to do about coffee. Emergency Starbucks run or cold instant coffee? Unfortunately, cold instant coffee won the debate. Then there was the matter of urine soaked bedding stinking up my laundry room. I just shut the door on that one.

Needless to say it was a long day, wherein I had to try and describe to James how electricity worked and why he couldn't watch Curious George. He finally figured out that the wind had blown out the power, kind of like a huge candle, and the men in the street were trying to light it again.

I might have rejoiced that this was a great excuse for not having to cook, but I actually really like cooking. After a salad dinner, we headed to church where we had the difficult task of voting to accept our pastor's resignation, and of trying to decide who was going to decide who our new pastor was going to be. The meeting went late, and the kids were really cranky so we loaded them up quickly in the van. Then Steve turned the key and nothing happened. He tried again- dead. So we just looked at each other and smiled. What else? James piped up immediately, "Did the wind blow the car out too?" Something like that.

Steve tried several more times, but to no avail, so he jumped in the car with someone who lives close to us and was going to return with our other car, and then get a tow truck or something to get our van back home.
James was really worried and kept asking what we were going to do. I was trying not to do the same thing, so instead of panicking with him, I said, "Don't worry James, the Lord will take care of us," as I continued hopelessly to turn the key in the ignition.

With that, he went to the car door, opened it up and yelled to the night sky- "HELP US LORD!" He sat there, watching and waiting for a few seconds, then with a pout demanded why God wasn't coming to fix the car. I tried to explain that God doesn't exactly work that way, when the car suddenly came to life with the next key turn. I couldn't believe it, but it seemed very simple to James. He had asked, and been answered, so he said "Thank you Lord," and went back to his seat. Steve pulled up soon and escorted us safely home. When we got there, the lights were back on.

I could go on and on about the lessons I learned (hopefully permanently) yesterday, but I figure they are pretty obvious. Some days are worth having for the lessons they teach. Oh, and the chicken stayed frozen!

12 comments:

LeFebvre Momma said...

How amazing is the simple faith of a child? He asked and God answered. What more needs to be known - if only we could remember that simplicity.

Darcee said...

I am laughing so hard picturing James yelling at God, and getting his answer! Wow that is a great story.

Anonymous said...

My kids have humbled me many times in the prayer department. Sometimes something will turn out far better than expected in the day, something I have been stressing about and one of them will pipe up and say, "Oh, I have been praying for that all day". I always guiltily say "bless you" and then vow to turn over a new leaf. It is pretty neat when our children start to set the example for us. Oh and pretty amazing when God answers prayer too. I miss you.

Anonymous said...

Wow that was weird Darcee. When I clicked publish your comment popped up. How funny. You beat me.

Hannah G said...

That's a great story—and a great reminder! I also have found that my kids have the boldness to pray like the Psalmists when I do not: "Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me! O Lord, make haste to help me!"

How many of us are willing to pray, in essence, "Hurry up and help me, Lord!" and to genuinely expect that God will do it?

Oh, and that subject line sounded familiar, but I had to Google it: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. :)

Dolly said...

Amen and hallelujah!

Unknown said...

Trusting in god is what we can do. Any the moment we rely and give our burdens to him, he starts to work in our life. We can't and don't control anything. All praise to god.

More a simple story its more like a little testimony to me.

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Danny Patterson said...

Did Kevin resign? Are you guys still going to RP?

Nicole Lewin said...

Yes, Kevin resigned about a month ago and is moving to a new church in North Carolina. It's pretty tough news.

Danny Patterson said...

Wow...will be praying for you guys. We are going through the same thing. I have told the congregation here in Battle Mtn., that I am candidating at a church in Portland, Maine. It's been heart-breaking for all of us.

Erika said...

What a great story!

emilie said...

Perfectly lovely story Nicky. I love your blog posts!!