Pony Buckets

 

Lauren loves to play mommy.  Lately her mommy scenarios involve Joel and I.  In the evenings, if Joel and I happen to be reading in our room, she will jump up on the bed between us and command us, ever so sweetly, to play! She is the mommy. I am the sissy and Joel is the brother, a.k.a buddy.  She sits between us and drives us around in her van. 

This morning we took a trip to the doctor's office for shots.  She repeatedly vaccinated us. I'm pretty sure we are safe from any lurking diseases. Then she proceeded to inoculate every family member, immediate and extended.

Since we were such good patients she rewarded us with a trip to McDonalds. She bought me a chicken nugget meal with french fries and a pink pony.  The best part it all came in a pony bucket!

It all started last Thursday when I took the kids to get the H1N1 vaccine at our pediatricians office.  It was a shot clinic, first come, first serve.  I've never been to a shot clinic, but the way the nurse phrased it I thought I better get there 20 minutes early just to be safe.

When I pulled into the parking lot it was full of people. There was a collective groan in our van and more than one child suggested we just go home. 

Nothing doing.

I had driven an hour to get there and I wasn't backing out now just because there were about 50 people ahead of us.  I parked across the street and hurried my crew across the busy intersection.  We stepped into line, which was snaking half way through the parking lot. 

I calmly told the boys we would probably have to wait about an hour. It was cold and windy. Two of my sons had come out of the house without jackets and me being a good mom didn't even notice. 

Three hours later, with chilled noses and toes, we finally got the vaccinations. Was I foolish to stand there that long? Maybe to some people it would seem that way, but I wasn't the only parent willing to wait.  Parents continued to come and the line grew until it reached the road.  The news paper came and took pictures. 

As I stood there waiting, I knew it was history in the making.  People are scared. They are concerned for their children.  Do they get the shot or don't they.  Is the shot evil or will their children die if they contract the swine flu. I absolutely understand these feelings.  At times I have felt fears' icy grip on my heart.   But, with all the things in this world to fear, I am at peace like I have never been before.  I knew with perfect clarity that we were doing what was right for our children.

So do not fear, do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you in my righteous right hand.  Isaiah 41:10

The Lord has filled me with his peace.  He is my shield and strength.  When I am weak He is strong.  I have been crying out to Him when I feel fear creeping back into my soul.  I am open and honest.  I am not ashamed. I just tell God how I am feeling and ask Him to fill me with His presence.  He knows my weaknesses, He is just waiting for me to give them to Him.  He takes my weakness and in its place fills my soul with His light and Love.

As we stood waiting our turn with the nurse.  I prayed.  I prayed for his protection. I prayed for strength. I prayed for wisdom, should I go home or stay. I prayed for my children. I prayed for patience for each and everyone of us. 

The Lord was with us the whole three hours we stood there. The families on either side of us were friendly and helpful.  God held off the rain until the last 30 minutes of our wait. He calmed my children and they waited patiently, standing the whole time.  Even Lauren, at three, did amazing. 

There were only a few tears from the shots, but all was made right with a special trip to McDonalds.  Well worth the wait! Because the reward included a pink pony and a kid's meal in a pony box or if you are Lauren, a pony bucket!

Which by the way is still floating around my house from room to room. I think the pony bucket is here to stay, but that's okay, because it is a wonderful reminder of God's amazing, wonderful, omnipotence!