Day One…Didn’t Go Exactly As Planned…

I had great plans for today. I had planned a little run around the village with my triple jogger and my babies with bigger kids all running nicely behind me. Then I thought I’d get some laundry and schoolwork done. A nice little dip in the pool. Nap time for babies and school time for bigger kiddos. Then we would go to swim practice and I even had flank steak marinating in the fridge.

Delighted that it took me less than 10 minutes to find my running shorts, bra, shoes and tank top (this is usually a 30 minute ordeal), I was ready to pile the babies in the jogger. This would be perfect. Vaughn was just about ready for his nap and we could even run up to the beach for a few minutes. Chipped ice in my monogrammed water bottle and I was ready to go.

Me–optimistic as I head out for the property inspection…

Until…

I looked at my phone and a reminder popped up that my husband had an inspection at one of his recently sold properties and I had to be there to let the client and inspector in.

Shoot.

Consoling the kids (and myself) that this would probably only take about 30 minutes and then we could go run at a nearby park, I loaded the kids and the jogger into the van and off we went.

Two and a half hours later and a bunch of hopping mad kiddos– we were done with the inspection. Obviously it had been a while since I had been to an inspection and while I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with our client (such a sweet lady!) and the house was adorable, the kids were peeved. I couldn’t really blame them.

So we went to our favorite park which was filled with middleschoolers enjoying a field day.

Dangit.

Then I began hearing from my kiddos and my husband with beautiful texts and pictures like these:

Sunset in America

Now it was 12:45 and they were starving. And even though eating out wasn’t in the budget, I couldn’t resist eating at our favorite little local restaurant Hobo’s. I called them to tell the staff we were on our way and they flew into action making grilled cheese sandwiches ahead of our arrival.

Sweet tea and some french fries and I was a new woman.

As the children and I discussed which park to go to and the rest of the afternoon’s plans, I sent Judson up to the counter to pay.

“No need,” said the waitress. “The man sitting next to you paid it in full.”

Sunrise in the United Arab Emirates

I could have cried.

The goodness of God to give grace and supply when I’m running low on both is just so amazing and comforting. To the kind gentleman who paid for our lunch — God bless you. May He repay you a hundred-fold for the goodness you showed my family.

And maybe tomorrow will be a bit better. A little smoother. But if not, it’s still so comforting to know He always has my back. (Isaiah 58:8)

We finally did make it to the park…