Better Than Okay: You'd Better Believe It

Oh, you'd better believe it...

What words would complete this for you? Fill-in-the-blank.

I'm so curious. A wink may accompany your thought.
or could there be a heart-truth from deep within?

I have both, too...

Case #1:
Our littlest one took an early nap today, and a solitary nap at that. (Meaning that by the dinner hour, his fussy/hysteric demand to be carried was overwhelming.)
Groceries were unloaded, holding him.
Dishwasher was unloaded, holding him.
Dinner was prepared, holding him.
Gritting teeth, but feeling empathetic toward the weary boy, my neck ached. My nurturing side traded off with my foul side, back and forth.
Dinner cleanup, more fussiness.
Bath time needed, more screaming.
Older brothers then wanted baths. Busy busy. Noise. Splashes. Music. Energy.
Husband carried our baby away from the sounds and rocked slowly in that pale blue boys' room. When bath time was over and the noisy boys were dressed, teeth brushed, ready for stories, I found a sight: Littlest one nestled into his daddy's shoulder, eyes closed, blanket covered, calm all over his face.
My brow furrowed. Eye contact with my husband. I nodded abrupt and held out my arms. After a questioning look of "really?" our slumbering baby transferred into this momma's seeking hands. It had been a rough 2 hours of crying and needs. And when my arms had finally become free... The sight of that sleeping one was too much. My arms full once again, my breathing slowed and rested easy.
You'd better believe it.

Takeaway lesson: When the meeting of another's needs meets your own needs.

Case #2:
A drive in the country on a spring day after a morning away with the 2 youngest. One snoozing, the other staring peacefully out his window. "Should we turn right and go home, or turn left and keep driving?" I ask the awake one.
Jump ahead minutes...
New path, new road, new views. Peaceful, inspirational Josh Groban playing. I pondered what we could do to bless someone today?
Suddenly.
Slippery mud + Confidence misplaced + Mistake made = Stuck.
Wheels spinning, twisting steering wheel, gas peddle down. No go.
Desperate call made to a friend. Cell phone battery notification flashing: low battery.
(You'd.better.believe.it.)
Away from my control, connections were made and a rescue was in progress.
Silver truck in the rear view mirror, sliding its own path down toward the stranded van.
Baby awoke. Screaming. Music off.
Both boys unstrapped, monkeys climbing inside. Asking to listen to Elmo. Needing to use the restroom.
My heart thumping fierce. Hands shaking without control.
Oh, the emotions and flooding of thoughts: Self-blasting. Shame. Regret. Anxiety. Indebtedness. Searching for any grander purpose for the circumstances.

Eventually, rescue was accomplished. A smile of relief. Hands still quivering. Shaking my head, looking down. 3 selfless, serving men saved the 3 helpless, needy ones. No payment taken, just the warmth of community and care. Love in action.
You'd better believe it.

Takeaway lesson: When the one who wants to bless instead becomes the one who needs the blessing... I cannot do this life on my own.

Needing others... not being completely self-sufficient. (Not even close!)

The beauty seeker in me dislikes the rushed, clumsy, hasty side of me.

Yet what can this discord create within?

Hope for humility and likelihood to be molded, shaped.

"We are the clay, and You are our Potter,

and we all are the work of Your hand."

(Isaiah 64:8)

"It is not a question of our equipment, but of our poverty;

not of what we bring with us, but of what God puts into us."

(Oswald Chambers)

"Undistracted by our giftings, we can focus upon our character.

In the absence of anything to measure,
we are left with nothing to start at except our foundation.
Risking inspection, we begin to examine the motivations that support our deeds,

the attitudes that influence our words,
the dead wood otherwise hidden beneath our busyness.

Then a life-changing transition occurs as we move from

resistance through repentance to the place of rest.

With gratitude, we simply abide."

(Alicia Britt Chole)

See these remnants of mud markings on the tire?
Humility and love.

(You'd better believe it.)