The strains of Thomas the Tank Engine floated into the kitchen. Empty Tupperware and toy dishes littered the floor. My preschool-aged son and my toddler had been cooking, and I was too tired to clean up their mess. My husband called from work. He wouldn’t be home until late. The evening stretched before me with no end in sight.
I perused the pantry contents. It didn’t take long. Spaghetti noodles, a box of mashed potatoes, some saltines, a couple of pudding boxes, and a large round canister.
The prospects in the refrigerator weren’t much better. We ate the leftovers for lunch. I could make PB&J sandwiches, but then remembered we’d had toast for breakfast and no bread or peanut butter remained. I opened the tub of butter and cringed at the toddler-sized tooth marks.
When I shut the refrigerator, a small hand touched my leg. My curly-haired preschooler smiled at me. His brother followed and lifted his arms. I picked him up and kissed his soft cheek, inhaling his sweet scent and the faint aroma of butter.
“How about oatmeal for dinner?” I asked.
“Roast.” My oldest picked up a bowl from the floor and placed it on his head. He smiled up at me. “Gramma’s roast.”
The toddler squirmed, and I set him on the floor. He picked up another bowl and placed it on his head, laughing. “Pa.”
They loved visiting their grandparents, who lived nearby.
My older son twirled in a circle and chanted, “Gramma, Pa. Gramma, Pa.”
Loading the boys into the car, I hoped my in-laws wouldn’t mind an unexpected visit. We had plenty of month left, but not much money. I had come to the end of myself and my resources.
When we come to the end of ourselves and our resources, God is always ready to step in and provide. Sometimes, our in-laws cook a grilled cheese or a Sunday afternoon roast. At other times, it may be an encouraging word or a phone call.
I’m not sure what we ate for dinner, but I remember God provided something for us, just as He always does.
What are some ways God has provided for you?
(photo courtesy of pixabay.com.)
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Traumatic events from her early life haunted Sarah for years. As a result, she acquired her love of stories when she created adventures to help herself fall asleep. Now she desires to share the hope and healing she has found. Sarah, a homeschool mom and blogger, has been published in Whispers of Grace and Macaroni Kid Newsletter. Connect with her by visiting sarahschwerin.com or through Facebook.