Encouragement

I am SOOOO ready to see these smiling faces again......it has been almost a week since Landon first came down with the stomach bug. Then Peyton got it (and ended up at Lebonheur for IV fluids), then Steven got it, then I got it, and now Steven's dad has it. I feel so bad. I'm sure he got it from watching the boys since Steven and I were sick. My poor parents exposed themselves as well, but thankfully haven't been sick! And we need them to stay well b/c Steven's knee surgery is tomorrow and I don't think I can handle taking care of everything by myself. I honestly have no idea what I would do without both sets of parents around to help. I was talking to another girl at work today and she was saying the same thing. I guess you just find a way to survive but boy was I thankful when I called my parents Sunday morning (after puking all night Sat.) and they came over to get the boys so I wouldn't have to get out of bed. It was AWFUL...by far the worst I've ever felt from a virus (including the flu).

So after a rough week that could possibly get a little rougher with Steven's surgery looming, I really needed some words of encouragement today. As always, God provided just that. This one was from the daily devotion I receive:

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged; for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

And this one from the blog I read about Lucy, the daughter of a friend/sorority sister who has cancer:

"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous hand."

I feel really guilty about complaining about such insignificant struggles when I read Lucy's blog. I know it is really hard not to complain about daily life sometimes, but boy do I have a lot to be thankful for.