And Abraham Went Out . . .: An apocalyptic evening

For a minute last night I wondered if it was the Apocalypse. Yeah, laugh if you want. But seriously, if you are a God-fearing Christian you believe the end of the world will indeed come some time or another. I do think it is a good practice to think in those terms when possible. In the busyness of life it is so easy to not have an eternal perspective, right? It is good to ask ourselves "Am I ready to meet Jesus?"

Makes me think of that song "People get ready, Jesus is coming" by Crystal Lewis.

Last night I was a bit doubtful if I was ready to meet Jesus. Phew, I was a grumpy mama. My patience and endurance is being tested with this certification my hubby is working on. I keep having to tell myself it is a great opportunity for him. Love puts the other first. Love seeks the best for another. Encourages the personal growth of another. Love isn't a feeling. It's a choice.

Anyhow, I was so tired last night. Cooking dinner, cleaning up, putting the kids to bed. Tired mama. But at the same time, surreal things were happening outside.

All afternoon the kids and I heard thunder from the distance. The sky was gradually growing darker for hours. The air was heavy with humidity. I kept wondering when the rain would come. Doug got home and started working on his paper. I began dinner prep and the rain commenced. I ran out to the garden to fetch basil in the rain, dodging puddles in the pumpkin patch. Dinner was made, eaten, and cleaned up with the rain coming down outside and occasional flashes of lightening. We ate in the artificial light of our indoor lighting because it was dark outside. I kinda had fun with it all because I mostly enjoy these midwest storms. It is fun to hear the thunder, see the lightening, and then to feel all snug and safe inside. It makes me feel thankful for the roof over our heads.

Anyhow, it was interesting to watch the outdoor show but at the same time energy was quickly waning. By the time jammie time and tooth brushing came, I was dangerously near grumpy mama mood. As I was helping Nutmeg finish her nightly duties, I couldn't help but notice light from outside. Light coming from all the windows. Vastly different from the darkness of earlier. There was a strange light from all parts of the sky and bright it was. Almost eerie. Even in my tired grumpiness, I couldn't help but wonder. It wasn't quick either. It just kept going. Absolutely stunning.

Perhaps a bit of grace to keep my from falling into a total pit of negative thinking, huh? Anyhow, it was truly awesome. Funny thing . . . awesome. The word "awesome" has been a topic of conversation around here. Quite often one of the boys asks the meaning of a word. If we don't know exactly how to define the word, I will often hand them the dictionary to find it. Yes, obsolete skill, right? But I do. So this week the word "awesome" was looked up and it was decided upon a by a few family members to try harder at using words more carefully. Mr. Basil, in particular, has been more thoughtful in how he uses the words "awesome" and "cool."

So the timing of the weather last night was serendipitous because it truly was awesome.

adjective

inspiring an overwhelming feeling of reverence, admiration, or fear; causing or inducing awe: anawesome sight.

showing or characterized by reverence, admiration, or fear; exhibiting or marked by awe.

Doug told me that he looked outside and one part of the sky was dark with clouds, one had a striking rainbow and then the other part was the crazy light. Later I peeked outside and only saw a bit of the rainbow fading away.

I went to bed feeling badly for the kiddos. I always want my kids to feel cherished, never a burden. I made up my mind not to worry all night but to apologize first thing in the morning. So I did. I made my apologies first thing. Hugs were given. And my favorite special pancakes were whipped up for the crew (so thankful that I happen to have just the right ingredients this morning: farm fresh eggs, fresh blueberries, lemons, and buttermilk. Yum!). I hope they felt love all around. Even in their bellies.

I had originally thought that today would be the day of great celebrating since Doug's paper is due today but it seems that he'll need to hit it hard tonight as well, sending it in late tonight.