A Hard Morning...

So first off, I deleted the post on photographing sports photos... It's just too hard for me to teach something like that in writing, I need to be able to sit down and show you and then when I try to be funny, it just sounds 'smart-alecky' to me, or even worse, arrogant, and that is just not my heart...so it's gone to the "cyber cemetery" or wherever deleted posts go...

Ok...so about this morning. It was really hard and I learned a difficult lesson about relationships and schedules, maybe you'll learn something from my mistakes...

Usually Abby is pretty good to get up, but every once in a while she is the typical 6 year old who just wants to stay cuddled up in her warm blankets. This morning was beyond typical though... I couldn't get her moving for anything. I just assumed she was being stubborn...first BIG mistake, don't assume anything with anyone, especially your adopted child... I don't know if you're like me or not, but too often, my assumptions are for the worst and that doesn't lend itself to much compassion...combine that with a schedule and you have a recipe for disaster.

Well I finally got her to sit up and from that point, she always dresses herself, so I headed downstairs to make lunches. But about 10 minutes later, Mackenzie came down and said she was still just sitting there...

So in total frustration, I stomped up the stairs (I know, I know...I forgot who the adult was for a few minutes) and firmly told her to get dressed...when she refused, dad poked his head in the door and added his firm command, which did nothing either. Finally, after several more refusals, she put on her clothes...with her little head hanging...I told you assumptions + schedules = disaster!

Next I sent her into the bathroom to brush her teeth so we wouldn't have to come upstairs again and that's when my crusty heart started to melt... As I prayed about what to do, I kept hearing these little sniffles and then she looked at me with those silent, BIG gator tears streaming down her face...

"Lord...I have no idea how to handle this..." Important note to self, always pray FIRST...not after disaster is in progress.

Well, after she finished brushing her teeth, I decided that even though I knew she would resist me, I was going to pull her into my lap and if she missed school, or I had to mess up our blasted schedule and she was late...SO WHAT?! This precious child with a sad little heart was far more important than schedules... See what prayer can do?!

She didn't snuggle in to be comforted, but she did let me hold her while she cried... I first asked her if she was sick...we covered from head to toe...no she felt fine. But then I asked her if her heart was sick...was she sad? A little nod yes... Do you miss China? A slight nod... Mama Gong? Another barely nod... Penny (foster sister)? And another slight nod... "Abby, it's ok to be sad, it's ok to cry when you miss China... I love you forever, even when I mess up and fuss because you're not dressed."

A few more minutes and she was ready to face the day! She went off with smiles, laughter and BIG hug...the thunderstorm had passed and the sun was back out...

God is the creator of time and He can increase the minutes when we're moving according to His agenda, not our own... I think this morning, He wanted to remind me that my schedule is His schedule...I just need to love His precious little ones and He'll take care of the rest...

We still squeezed in breakfast in the car and she made the bus...she wanted to go with her big sister!

Later, I'm going to do a post to celebrate my wonderful husband...it's his birthday today!