The Little Things

This morning was one of our crazy ones.  Open your eyes and realize you're late.  Jump up and throw on the first thing you can reach.  Run through the house like a raving lunatic, "Everybody Up!! We are late!"  Tell the kids to dress first then see if there's time for breakfast.  Sign folders, make lunches...all in fast forward.  The kids and I had to be out the door 15 minutes earlier than usual to drop my daughter, Alyssa, off for band practice.  (First concert tonight) :)  After a successful and on-time drop off of all the kiddos, and as I breathe a sigh of relief, I look over to the passenger seat and realize Alyssa has forgotten her ID badge.  In the hectic pace of the morning, I'm sure it just didn't cross her mind.  I steer my car toward her school thinking she will be so proud that I saw it and she didn't even have to call me.  And then it hits me...what am I wearing???  Pajama pants, tank top, jacket, no make up, hair in a ponytail...dear lord.  I know this isn't an issue for some people and God bless 'em.  But, for me, it is.  Driving down the road is one thing.  Maybe even a quick stop for gas or milk, no big deal.  But, to walk into Alyssa's school looking like this would have left me embarrassed and Alyssa...mortified.  I pull around to the band hall entrance and look in the window.  The entire band is facing the door.  I laugh to myself.  Which is better?  No ID and lunch detention? Or Mom in her pjs???   Just as I'm about to step away and get back in the car, one of Alyssa's friends steps out of a room right next to the door.  With stealthy ninja moves and just a whisper, drawing no attention to myself from anyone other than the friend, I crack the door and say, "Pssst, will you give this to Alyssa?"  I know a lot of people would say this is luck or coincidence.  But, I don't believe that for one second.  I know that my God loves me and my daughter enough to put that friend in the right place to help us out of that one, petty as it seems.  I, as a mom, wanted to protect Alyssa from that situation.  In the same way He, as a Father, wanted to protect us.  And if He watches over us in things as small as not wanting to embarrass ourselves, then how much more will He protect us from the big stuff?  It's an easy time of year to stress out and lose focus.  But, be encouraged, God's got your back.