Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Best Laid Plans

This week is scheduled tightly, packed with obligations and activities that leave little margin for error. Traveling out of town for work meant that today's agenda was the most critical of all. Papa was to pick the girls up from school, deliver Cailin to girl scouts, and get Cassidy started on homework. I had a turkey tenderloin and sweet potatoes in the crock pot, beginning to simmer, and had arranged for Rusty to take Cailin to theater after dinner.

Then I went to awaken the girls. Amidst much sniffling I heard the dreaded words, "I don't feel well. My head hurts. My tummy hurts. My throat hurts." Then they each turned to their respective walls, pulled the covers up to their ears and promptly went back to sleep. Ugh!

I have a crew of installers driving 5 hours to meet me at a job site (over 2 hours from my home) and a client, who is leaving the state Friday, waiting to meet me to close out all outstanding business. There is never a good day to have sick children, but this would be among the worst! I dread having to call clients, even those who have become friends, and ask them to reschedule appointments. I pride myself on attending all installations and being available to answer any questions the crew may have. Yet today that plan was just not working out, and honestly, I was angry. Angry at the fact that I have to work, angry that I have to rearrange my plans and the plans of others, angry that the girls don't feel well, angry that Cailin will miss two important activities, angry at my loss of control of my day.

Then my Dad called, and as always, had gentle words of wisdom for me. He reminded me that I am never in control of my day, God is. He has plans for my day, and they don't involve being angry or upset, or worrying about things going wrong with my job. He doesn't want me to worry at all, in fact, but trust that His ways are good ways, and that every day from Him is a gift. So I am choosing to trust that He will make this a great day, and I am going to appreciate the gift of time with my girls, no matter how it was given.

6 comments:

Gretchen said...

OH, HONEY! I'm sorry to hear that your plans went awry. But your dad is so right. And your Father is even right(er). :)

Enjoy your sweet ones now. They grow so fast. And I have a hunch, there's always gonna be another important activity.

Jenny said...

If feels like you're being pulled in 14 different directions when all you want to do is scream, "Calgone, take me away!"

I'm praying you see a blessing in today's circumstances.

Trust the Lord. He knows what He is doing.

I hope the girls feel better soon!

Brenda said...

Oh I so feel your dread at the day. I HATE when sick days don't come at scheduled times! But what a great thing to hear from your dad and to have the wisdom to trust and change your attitude--even when it's hard!

Hope they feel better!

Kathryn said...

Oh, I'm sorry about your day, and I'm sorry that the girls are sick. (There is SO much going around right now!)

But, "Father Knows Best", and I love your last sentence: "I am choosing to trust that He will make this a great day, and I am going to appreciate the gift of time with my girls, no matter how it was given." Amen, sister!

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. (Proverbs 19:21)

PS-Hope they're both feeling better tonight! :-)

Dena said...

I just love your blog, thanks for sharing and being an inspiration.

Liz said...

I am in the same boat all the time with 4 boys and a husband that works away from home.By the way,can you send the turkey tenderloin and sweet potao crockpot recipe my way?
elanza (at) atlanticbb (dot) net