Ready for a Rainbow

After the hard rain, the sun breaks through the thick clouds, we then are rewarded with a beautiful image in the sky. A rainbow. Standing boldly and brightly for all to see. Serving as a rich reminder of God's faithfulness to all who trust in Him.

The rain has been pouring on me, I am now searching and longing for the rainbow.

This past week almost seems like a blur as I now reflect upon it, however, while I was deeply entrenched in the motions of each day, I felt as though it was many long and trying weeks rolled into one.

With the difficult portion of our week beginning with the memorial service last Saturday, immediately followed by an emotional low last Sunday, I felt as though I was just limping along as we moved into Monday. As of last Sunday night, our suitcases were still unpacked, laundry had not been done at home since before our trip, things were not in great shape. That's never a good feeling, especially when starting out a fresh new week.

It was then that my mother-in-law came over for a little while to watch the boys so that I could begin the unpacking and laundry. That was really wonderful and an unexpected blessing.

Monday brought the return of my husband's cold, only it was much worse and a bad cough was added into the mix. He decided to take a sick day on Tuesday but ended up working a really long day...just at home instead. Ugg. 12 hours with the kids took it's toll on me. Between our baby teething and both boys with colds, they were less than pleasant.

Wednesday I just could not shake the sadness and heartache that I was deeply feeling for our friend's family as they said their painful and final goodbyes as they buried their son at Arlington Cemetery. I hope to never know that pain with my own boys, but my heart is broken for them just the same for them.

Thursday and Friday my husband had to work really late, thus once again leaving me with the boys -- caring for their every need for 12 hours on Thursday once again took a toll on me. Thankfully, we did have a play date with a good friend that was the highlight and helped pass our morning.

Friday another unexpected blessing came in the form of my in-laws inviting the boys and myself over for dinner since my husband was not going to be home until late. That was a much needed oasis in my otherwise seemingly dry desert.

Most nights this week I was up in the middle of the night several times with one or both children between nightmares and teething...guess there's no rest for the weary.

Saturday morning we were able to see my mom and grandma briefly as we drove them to the airport. It was so nice to seem them, even though it was so short.

The next blessing came when my in-laws watched the boys so that we could go to a wedding last night. That was the first time I had been away from the boys in a week...it felt SO nice! I was able to have conversations that were uninterrupted AND could eat a full meal without cutting it up and dishing it out for myself and the boys! Small treats like that are GREAT! Once again, an unexpected blessing.

Today I was blessed with the special honor of helping host a baby shower for one of my dearest friends. She lost a baby after living 6 days, then had 2 miscarriages and is now, 3 years after her first, carrying a sweet baby girl due on Christmas Day! It was a beautiful day today as we celebrated the much anticipated miracle of this baby.

Directly after the shower we had Bible study, then came home put the boys down and rode the exercise bike...

Today marks the start of a fresh new week. I am hopeful that this will be a good one, once again filled with God's unexpected blessings. I am so weary, but I do know that this too shall pass.

I've seen many unexpected glimpses this week, but I am really ready for a full on rainbow to brighten my sky.