Hospitals, Lego and Cricket

How time flies! Last week saw a trip to the hospital for number 1 son, Ryan. Day surgery to repair his damaged minisci (sic). The hospital staff were fantastic and the whole experience went with a minimum of fuss. Not that my highly phlegmatic first born would cause much fuss. As a mum it is so hard to watch your child (no matter how big they get!) be in pain. Even harder when it's emotional pain rather than physical. Ryan sailed through his pre op and operation with a great attitude. After the op was a slightly different story... My volleyball loving boy came to the realization that against all hope, he would not be making it to his school beach volleyball competition this year, in fact at this stage he is not to play any sport for six months. He was crushed and his attitude left a little to be desired. What an opportunity for a teaching moment! When things don't go as you planned or even as you prayed, can you wait patiently on the one who knows all, knows best and knows why, even when you can't see any good reason for it. My heart broke a little for him but I'm glad God is working in his life.
The rest of the week was spent preparing for the "great garage sale". Many hours were found with me hunched on the floor, reassembling all manner of Lego models to make sure all the pieces were there. After clearing cupboards, sorting through boxes, labelling and pricing everything and setting it all out for the neighbourhood to see it began. What an eyeopener! So many different folks, the silent searchers, the hagglers, the chatters and even a few friends popped in. Lots of things sold... not much Lego... then what was left taken to the local charity. I love the feeling of a tidy up, clear out or spring clean!
While I manned the garage sale, Hubby took number two son, Jack, to his cricket match. This was part two of the match, with Jack having watched and fielded last week. He was hoping to get to bowl this week... and bowl he did. His first ball was caught out! A whole different set of emotions to deal with. How easy it is to feel joy when a child succeeds in his efforts. These few days have given us many opportunities to practice godliness. Patience in disappointment, graciousness in success, and peace in amongst the confusion.