Have you figured out the secret to dealing with chaos? If so, let me know. Chaos has intersected my life from every angle in recent weeks, and I find myself peaking around every corner for one more hit from it at any moment. Have you ever seen that bus clip from the beginning of Meet Joe Black? Check it:
I feel like Brad Pitt.
I was already feeling like life was moving fast around here; new job for Sam (on top of part-time work with his old job), a baby due date that somehow gets closer every day (funny how that works :)), and an accelerated plan to stay on track in grad school despite this pregnancy. But nothing could have prepared me to watch my young, healthy husband to go through lung surgery,see him experience tons of pain and a long recovery, and face a surprisingly large (and growing) mountain of medical bills.
There have been many blessings in the midst of the chaos, but I can't help but face the future with a bit of timidity these days. There have been blessings for sure, but "be anxious for nothing" and that whole bit about prayer and petition (with thanksgiving of course) to God is easier said than done.
Another bit of chaos that is unfolding in our family is that it appears as if our chickadee could be returning home with a biological parent in the Spring. Whereas a few months ago we were seriously talking about whether or not God was leading us to adoption, now we find ourselves facing a possible good-bye in just a few short months. Like I said, life has been hiding surprises behind every corner...
Happy Valley as they call it here, has been experiencing its own chaos. The chaos of a child abuse scandal that got high-ranking university officials arrested, legendary coach Joe Paterno fired, and turned our happy little college town into roadkill for the media buzzards. Everyone has something to say about the scandal, but here two of the best takes in my opinion:
Let's All Feel Superior (article by David Brooks)
A Deficiency of Love (talk by Tim Henderson)
All that to be said, I don't want to face life with a spirit of fear, and I really don't think anyone does. Prayer and truthful reminders (like good old Philippians 4) have been my solace so far. What about you?
Wow. That is a lot going on.
ReplyDeleteWill be keeping you all in my prayers. Especially Chickadee. I wonder how she is feeling about all of this.