Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Respite Wednesday

SWEET HARVEST

First Raspberry

Yesterday I suffered a headache . . . a sinus headache. Rarely do I find myself with such an affliction, but this proved to be a day-long event of throbbing pain. I retreated to bed, thinking it would pass. I took an advil, thinking it would pass. I slept off and on, thinking it would pass. Nothing seemed to help and so I remained suspended in a foggy pace through a murky day as I hung onto 1 Corinthians 10:13 and retreated into another nap – trusting that I would endure without falling apart.

Late into the evening the pain cleared up and I returned to life as I know it. (Trust me when I say I have a new-found need to pray for those who suffer from headaches, as does one of my friends 5 DAYS PER WEEK due to a childhood injury!)

When I awoke, I found Elizabeth nestled next to me in bed with a computer and headphones, noticing the minute I opened my eyes absent the furrowed brow. I learned that the children had completed schoolwork, chores, and all the rest while still managing to enjoy homemade pizza and a Mexican casserole made from “stuff and nonsense” in the fridge and pantry. (Did I mention that the fridge needed some serious restocking after a week of play and little work?) While Gary works feverishly on a new project of “hottest” priority, my little women ran the household, tended the chickens and the gardens, served meals, studied diligently, practiced music, and all the rest. Truly a harvest most sweet.

Elizabeth brought my dinner to me (she’d had to hide one personal-size pizza margherita from Matthew’s bottomless appetite) and I munched down the whole-wheat wonder of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil with a delight akin to those days as a kid when I sipped Mmm Mmm Good Campbell’s soup from a tray while battling a childhood bug. I felt loved and cared for in a BIG way.

Most had put themselves to bed by the time my headache had cleared, but various “drinks of water” and curious inquiries allowed me to greet each one with a smile to let them know I had returned to my former “headache-free” self.

Elizabeth and I played out the evening with her showing me all the old TV shows available on the internet. We watched Bewitched, I Dream of Jeannie, and the premiere episode of Charlie’s Angels before she tucked me in and toddled off to her own bed.

This morning all are sleeping a bit later than normal, except for Gary who continues to work at a rapid pace to meet the deadline and save the client’s company from missing their delivery date of a new product. My head feels clear and calm; my heart overflows as I enjoy the Sweet Harvest found in my children and this little life we share.

More to Come

I always imagined I would grow up to be a writer who lived alone spinning tales of those living a life particular to them. Later I added the task of becoming a professor to train up others to identify and preserve those special lives living alongside the norm. I never thought I would have children – too much work, too much challenge, and I felt certain I lacked the necessary skills to be a mother or homemaker, having had no role model or training. But, today I take pause and thank the Lord for working a miracle in the midst of my life. Not only have I enjoyed the hearth tasks and training up of children in this rich and full life, but I am seeing such a sweet harvest in knowing the miracle has spilled over and filled my children with a gladness in caring for and loving the life we share. In addition, the “particular” life I chronicle happens to be my own! Truly surprising.

I guess the headache proves once again

And we know that all things
work together for good
to them that love God,
to them who are the called
according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

First Peas

I shall keep this harvest of sweetness close at hand as I wander through this day with fresh eyes and a clear head. What a blessing!

p.s.
I shall also ask your indulgence as I slowly get back into the blogging ways and make my way around to each and every one of your delightful sites. I shall return with greetings and giggles and prayers . . . I promise. : D

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh I am so glad that you are feeling better...
I get sinus infections and the headaches are awful =(

How precious are your children?!

The raspberry looks wonderful and what a promise of things to come!

Wishing you a day filled with sweet and simple joys! ♥

FancyHorse said...

You have instilled kindness, gentleness, and thoughtfulness into your children, and now are reaping the harvest. Such a sweet harvest! I'm glad you're feeling better.

Karen Deborah said...

OK since you have been sick, your excused. I am missing you. wonderful post so sweet, Elizabeth was standing guard, awh the love I can feel it.

gail said...

So glad you're feeling better. A delightful bunch of kiddies you have there. Keep at it, you're doing a sterling job with them.

Blessings
Gail

Linda said...

I'm glad you are feeling better.

We are finally getting back to 'our' country. We've driven over 4000 miles this past 12 days, and have seen so much of our beautiful country.

None of us got sick, PTL.

June said...

Hi Debbie,
Such a beautifully written post. I loved it! How wonderful it is when we see that our children are filled with love, kindness, compassion, a willingness to work and serve others. What a gift you were given. I'm sure you have forgotten your headache.
Smiles,
June

Tricia said...

That was so beautiful that I don't quite know how to respond. God is so good.

neno said...

nice post :D
Please visit back ;)

Becky said...

Nice header ;-)

Those sinus headaches are a killer. An Advil or two usually gets me back on track as well although not always as quickly as I'd like. Glad all is well now. What lovely daughters the Lord has blessed you with. Your post warmed my heart.

Ruth MacC said...

Very tough, but my goodness, what great kids you have! SOmetimes they ned the space to prove themselves! And they sure did!


I have something to ask you about and so if you can, and there is no hurry, I would love to hear from you...


I can't continue to teach my son after the age of 13. He will have to go to secondary school. He has been accepted into the one that we really wanted him to attend, I am very glad to say. I am thinking of having a party for him just before his 13th birthday in 2011 to mark the end of his learning at home, his journey into being a teenager and the start of his regular school life. Have you any ideas? What do people usually do in the US?

Would be grateful for any ideas or advice you can give.

Thanks a million.

Glad you are feeling better.

My mum had ms and has had headaches every day for the past 30 years...

I don't know how she copes.

Full of Grace said...

You are a beautiful writer and a wonderful nurturer especially to your children and family, but even to us "newbies" :) You are an encouragement and I always look forward to your kind words Debbie, thanks for being you! :)

Kat said...

This post makes me want to cry, it is so sweet.
Your children have learned from your example. They know how to love and care because of you. You truly do reap what you sow.
*sniff, sniff*
So lovely. And what a powerful reminder to me.
Glad you are feeling better.

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

I am loving your blog! :)

My mother called sinus headaches "sick headaches" and I sometimes get them just like she did when there were big weather changes.

I was always thankful when they left.