I had NO idea that would be the last time I got to hang out with a group of friends.
I didn't realize that my Wreath Wednesday scheduled for just a week later would be cancelled.
As would all of my super cute Kids Create Workshops I had planned.
My Workshop at OverFlow coffee shop would not happen either.
Nor would my Open House that I was so looking foward to. I couldn't wait to welcome people and chat with them as they shopped in my basement. I was eager to help them pick out personalized gifts or signs and wreaths to decorate their own homes.
March was all set up to be a fabulous month!
And then everything got shut down, including my plans.
My calendar was wiped clean.
And so was my bank account.
My heart wasn't the only thing to take a hit when COVID-19 surprised us and changed our lives in a matter of days. Our finances took a HUGE blow.
My daycare income was GONE.
Plus, I lost a doula client because she was only allowed to have ONE person with her during labor and delivery. Obviously, she chose her husband over me. I understood, but my grocery budget didn't. That doula job would have fed my family of 6 for the whole month. And that's what I was counting on.
And all those workshops I had planned required supplies, which I had JUST bought. I had NO idea I was spending money on greenery, flowers, wood, and paint I wouldn't need. My craft room was stocked full, but what was going to happen to my fridge and pantry? Pretty roses and discount tobacco baskets do NOTHING for my girls' tummies.
As I stared at all my supplies, my heart sank. I felt so foolish, having "wasted" our money. I couldn't return anything either, because I had cut and trimmed everything to make it faster and easier for people to create during out workshops. I wanted to weep. Guilt and shame rushed in and overwhelmed my weary soul.
I was helpless.
And felt hopeless too.
All too soon, we heard a STAY-AT-HOME order was coming, so I headed to the grocery store to stock up. I had enough money left in the bank to get us groceries for 3 weeks. I prayed for sales, for the money to stretch. I went up and down the aisles, methodically, doing my best to find the foods that would be the best "bang for my buck."
As the items in my cart quickly piled up, I felt like I needed a shirt letting people know "I'm not hoarding or panic shopping. I am a mom of 4 kids who eat A LOT."
My total came within dollars of what I had available to spend.
I thanked Jesus, "bagged" my groceries, and drove home relieved and grateful.
Still, fear was relentless and wouldn't let go. It was hanging on, TIGHT.
When I got home, my husband helped bring in all the food.
Before we put anything away, I made a list, which I then used to a make a menu for the next 3 weeks. We had enough meat for suppers until April 11. Our fresh fruits and veggies would run out on the 4th. I dated the packages of deli meat so we would remember each one had to last us a whole week for lunches. The now full fridge and pantry eased my doubts, just enough to let me breathe deeply. I could feel a supernatural peace washing over me.
But as the days went by, worry reared its ugly head every time one of my precious children asked for yet another snack. We talked to them about rationing, explained our financial situation in kid friendly terms, and reminded them that we would NOT be eating every 3 minutes.
I prayed and prayed and prayed for God to provide.
I thought he would send me some sign orders or have people buy craft kits to do at home.
And He did.
Just not as many as I had wished.
And not nearly enough to buy enough food to sustain our family for any extended period of time.
I was starting to have flashbacks to the time when we had NO money and got a letter from the bank informing us we had overdrawn our account. I felt the same desperation overtaking me.
What was I going to DO?!!!!
Nothing, it turns out.
GOD was going to do it all.
We got an email telling us the school district would be providing FREE meals for ALL children 18 and under. No income requirements necessary. No restrictions. Just show up at 1 of 2 designated schools at the set time to pick up however many meals your family needed for the day.
So, on that first Monday, I loaded up the girls in the Yukon, and instead of dropping them off at school, we headed to a different school to get the free lunches.
Coralyn, our oldest (10 years old), was worried we would "look poor."
I confirmed that, at this moment, we are.
I quickly went on to explain how fornuate we are that Daddy still has his job and that we could still pay all our bills. We were far better off than waaaaaay too many people affected by COVID-19.
We got our bag of food and headed home.
When I went to hand each girl her LUNCH, I realized that BREAKFAST and SNACKS were also included! As were TWO containers of milk. For EACH girl.
God had said, "I see you. I hear your prayers. Watch what I can do."
Ephesians 3:20 was playing out in our lives all over again.
I am beyond grateful.
The girls are THRILLED to be eating "school lunch" every day.
Seriously, this is a REAL TREAT for them, as we usually allow for school lunches on the 100th day and the LAST day of school. That's it. ALL YEAR.
Plus, they get cereal for breakfast.
That ONLY happens at our house on weekends.
And it's "boring" cereal like Crispy Oats or Rice Squares. EVERY once in a while I splurge and get the Aldi version of Honey Bunches of Oats.
But now, NOW they get FUN cereal like Trix, Cinnamon Squares, Cocoa Puffs, or the ABSOLUTE favorite thus far LUCKY CHARMS. WITH THE MAGIAL UNICORN MARSHMALLOW.
I mean, they are on cloud 9.
Talk about a silver lining to this whole situation.
I am pretty sure I have NEVER bought a "kid" cereal for my girls.
Not in an entire decade of motherhood.
Coralyn BEGGED me to get a loaf of BREAD in February.
I am gluten free so we just don't do a lot of bread in our house.
Bagels for breakfast is about it.
Sometimes I get spinach or tomato tortillas to use for wraps or quesadillas.
My girls really do "suffer" with all the healthy eating that goes on over here on the regular.
But now, NOW they get a tukey and cheese sandwich WITH A BUN OR HOAGIE.
MULTIPLE times a week.
They couldn't be happier.
I mean, it's LITERALLY the best thing since sliced bread.
So, today, as I unloaded their "lunch" bags, my counter was covered with cereal, juice, milk, snacks, AND lunch. I laughed at the single serving bowls of LUCKY CHARMS.
Tomorrow morning, as I watch the girls dig out the marshmallows and arrange them in groups of hats, horseshoes, rainbows, and clovers, I won't think about the sugar overload. I will simply smile and thank Jesus for providing.
As they cheer when they find that elusive unicorn, my heart will overflow with joy.
They will count their lucky charms, and I will count my blessings.
No comments:
Post a Comment