Have you ever had one of those days where nothing seems to go your way? In my classroom library I have a children's book called Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Maybe you've heard of it? In the story young Alexander wakes up with gum in his hair, trips over his skateboard, and ruins his sweater all before breakfast. This was my day, except I don't own a skateboard 😉
As morning came and went, things kept going terribly, horribly wrong. I found myself feeling frustrated and emotional over circumstances that were out of my control. Emailing three of my closest girlfriends, I asked them to pray for my Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Things continued NOT to go my way well into the afternoon. The literal icing on the cake was discovering a colony of ants near the coats and cubbies. Left over birthday treats, "You have GOT to be kidding me!" (Fortunately, I have a decent sense of humor and was able to laugh it off shorty after. Watching 8 year olds try and catch an ant can be quite entertaining.)
The dismissal bell finally chimed at 4:10 and wouldn't you know it, I survived. The thing was, I'd been so busy worrying about my Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, I hadn't stopped to talk about it with Him. Convicted. I can't help but think how often I look to others for support or guidance, when the one I really need to turn to is there all along.
Father, help me to run to you in times of trouble, lean on you in the midst of difficult circumstances, and cling to you in chaos. Ants, eight year olds, and all! And even though it wasn't one of my brightest moments, I thank you for building my character through a Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Now let's talk about Field Day…
