Friday, November 7, 2008

Alexander and the...

terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. I graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Elementary Education. We read lots of books while in the program and I loved all of them. One of my personal favorites, since childhood, is Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. The story is silly, this little guy is making much about nothing, but in his world the sky really is falling in and he thinks it would be better if he just moved to Australia. The reader can see how benign his trials are, here are a few: he sits in the middle in carpool which makes him carsick, he can't get the shoes that he wants, lima beans are for dinner, they kiss on TV, he hates his pajamas...I used it one time to teach adjectives. This morning I felt like I was heading that direction.

Here was the conversation (how my story started) Ella woke me up in the middle of the night and now she's waking me up again before the alarm! My shower isn't hot enough and I have to shave my legs. I nicked my ankle and the water is lukewarm. My hairdryer crapped out...again and I can't find my sneakers. This is going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Julia wouldn't let me do her hair and she isn't ready for breakfast. I hate it when they eat in shifts. My bed isn't made and Mike's late for work so I have to make it myself. Ella got mad and spit on the table and then she flipped over her bowl. She's cranky and is going to ruin everything, this really is a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.

I caught it. I could see where this was going. I had even gone so far to ask Mike if I could get a hotel room one night so that I could finally sleep through the night. Then I changed my mind and said that I would sleep at Mom's instead. I do not wish to have that kind of day and God's word tells me that "this is the day that the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it!" I also remembered little Dorcas, our Compassion child, who probably has never had a hot shower in her life. (and never will) I thought of how nice it was to have a new razor, my favorite kind, that my mother-in-law sent me because she knows how much I love them. They are expensive, and she buys them for me and that is a great thing. I also thought of how sweet it was to have girls with hair to do and I do enjoy their spunk. I'm also glad that my children spend their days with me, and eating in shifts will not effect carpool or tardiness. Julia and I will just eat together.

I remembered that the kids and I are trying to "Choose Joy." That is absolutely impossible without Jesus. I told Him that in the shower. "I can't choose joy, Jesus. Please just do it for me." Now I'm the Little Engine that Could, "I think I can, I think I can."

There are some days that really are terrible. My family has had a few of them this year. We've had more than any of us really care to remember. However, even when the matters were life threatening. Even when we felt like the sky was falling in, God remained good. He is worth celebrating every day. I will indeed set out to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth because He is worthy of the best I have.

A funny little side note is that last night I smacked a bug on my computer screen and left it there (I know... why didn't I wipe it off?...I just wanted to go to bed!) When I opened the doors to the computer to write this there it was...now THAT is a terrible day. Getting smacked on a computer screen and being left for dead!!! HA!

So, I'll let Alexander move to Australia...I'm livin' right in the middle of God's best for me.

Today, right now, I'm choosing joy and I hope you are too!



Note: I've linked you to Compassion International's site. We adopted Dorcas about 3 or 4 years ago, and I have never questioned that decision. The amount we send for Christmas is humbling. It's so little, and it does so much. Our monthly sponsorship is really changing her life and the life of her family. If you feel so inclined, check it out. Thank you.

6 comments:

Linda said...

Oh my, Ali - I've had many of these horrible, no good, terrible days! And I KNOW my kids have BOTH read the book in school, yet I have not, so I'll either have to buy it thru Scholastic, or get Hannah to bring it home from the school library (it'll hone her library seeking skills, right?)

And your post should have been part of the "not me Monday" from a blog that I read called My Charming Kids (she's got a WONDERFUL story about her most recent addition...if you have a chance and want to read, let me know, I'll share the link - I haven't linked her in my blog yet).

Ah...but you're right, we should always be thankful for what we have. I should be thankful for the toys that I step on every day, because it means my kids are playing happily and enjoying their lives....

berrypatch said...

I've spent part of this week reading blogs from a group of bloggers that went to the Dominican Republic for Compassion. Truly amazing stories.
http://maineberrypatch.blogspot.com/2008/11/touching-my-heart.html

Ashley said...

Ali,
I don't know that you will remember me, but we were on SBP '97 together. I found your blog through another blog. Small world! Anyway, I've been reading your posts for a few weeks. I have to tell you that your posts have blessed my life in countless ways. I know now that it was God's will that I find your blog. Thanks for posting from your heart! Today's post was one that I really needed to read. Its been a rough few years for me & my family healthwise. Thank you for the reminder of the blessing of each & every day! Thank you for the reminder that no matter what we are God's! What could be better?
You have a beautiful family!
~Ashley

The Severances said...

That book was one of my favorites, as well. I totally relate to letting the terrible day creep in--you can even see it on my face-my countenance is horrible! Thanks for the encouragement to run to Jesus!

Ali said...

Hello Ashley,
Yes, I do remember you! How are you? What a small bloggin' world! Thank you so much for stopping by. I am so humbled that this is actually ministering to people. I'm so very thankful. Your kind words meant alot.

Sheryl said...

Ali,
thank you for your sweet thoughts on my website. And your post on Alexandar..well it couldn't be more perfect...we had a couple of weeks there I wanted to move to Australia but even in them I saw God's goodness. Seeing my man kneel at his mom's ICU beside and pray over her...hmmm...my heart just whispered wow God..thank you

Have a great week of school!
Sheryl in GA