Yesterday was hard.

I don’t have time to tell you about it, but suffice it to say that to be a parent is an exercise in surrender and trust and then at the same time a call to hold on tenaciously. Navigating which situation calls for what is where things get tricky. Of course trust is always needed, even when I think I’ve got it all under control.

It is painful to see your children hurt and to know that all you can do is listen and pray and offer your faith on their behalf, which is so very much but – in the short term any way – doesn’t feel like enough.

I was all for uniqueness, until I became a mother. Now I think it’s overrated. The other day I told Paul that it feels like we’re in a three ring circus – all three rings – all of the time.

Today I’m off to camp with Lydia. The middle school does a retreat for the seventh graders to help them get to know each other. I’m riding there with another mother. Initially we thought that there wasn’t room on the busses for the chaperones, but she called me yesterday to tell me that there was room and, in fact, the chaperones were urged to ride the bus. She wanted to know what I thought.

“Once we’re there we’re going to give our all.” I said.

She murmured agreement.

“But there’s no point in us arriving at camp with migraines. If you still want to drive, I would love to ride with you.”

She exhaled audibly. “I would love to drive.”

I need to quiz Christopher on some grammar and finish packing my bag.

Please pray for him to make a friend.

I hope everyone is happy and well.