There Is No "Easy Button"

I love the Staples Easy Button commercials. I find myself looking for that button often.  Being a wife and mother is difficult on its own but add in Type 1 Diabetes, Autism Spectrum, Lupus or any illness, past hurts, or lost hopes,  you may find yourself looking for that button on a daily basis. 

It comes down to this one simple fact. We live in a world full of sin. Not a single one of us is without. We hurt each other without even realizing with a quick word, a simple act.

Life is not fair. A lesson we teach to our kids every day. It's not fair you are sick, you can't handle the plans changed, somedays mom has to stay in bed. Life isn't fair. I hate to say this but it's true in a fallen world. 

As I was looking again for that Easy Button, I thought of the red service phone you find in the store.   If you need help you just need to reach out and ask for it. I realize I may never get to push the Easy Button but I will get down on my knees and reach to a God who is ready to answer with grace and mercy.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

Miserable But Stuck It Out

We decided it would be good for our 11 year old son to go away to scout camp. That's asking a lot from a boy who does not like change. We always do our best to prepare him in new situations. For example last year we took a trip to Washington D. C., we explained how the subway system worked and he was excited for his first trip. His excitement changed quickly to fear when he was pushed aboard with out us. He was with someone from our group but it wasn't enough. From then on he had a death grip on my hand every time we boarded. Then this spring we flew to California to visit family all was well until we became lost and couldn't find the 405 or In n Out. Luckily we found both and since Elliott wouldn't eat his In n Out burger Jim ate two double doubles on the 405. 

As we prepared him for camp his excitement grew. Send off had very little tears. We decided to ease his anxiety by being chaperones later in the week. Tuesday, I received the first text, I wouldn't speak to him but texted I would be there the next day. Due to all the rain the schedules had been changed and he is not the go with the flow kinda person. Before he left I shared the verse Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. I reminded Elliott God has control and knows what is to come and he can come to him with his anxiety. 

When I arrived Wednesday he begged me to take him home. I reminded that I had a responsibility to stay and so did he. Each day a new change would occur, his anxiety would increase. My heart broke for his tears. There was no reason for him to leave, he was safe and he had moments he actually enjoyed himself. Jim came for the last night and watched as Elliott was awarded a special award for the camper who was most miserable but stuck it out to the end. He's pretty proud of his award and has decided he won't be returning next year.