Be Careful What You Pray For

Last night, Joseph and I discussed our upcoming road trip. I was very overwhelmed and stressed as I pondered how we would survive a nine hour road trip with Ashton. Just to give you an idea of how much she hates the car, she cries on the way to Wal-mart. That ride takes about 8 minutes. So we're in trouble! After Joseph went to bed, I laid awake thinking about the whole situation. There was no way I was cancelling the trip as we had many plans to see family plus walk at my graduation. So I turned to the scriptures, talks from General Conference and a lot of prayer. My main prayer was to have the patience and strength to survive the day of driving.

Well, be careful what you pray for. I think God had a good laugh about my prayer and then gave me "today." I offered to babysit for a family in the ward as the mom had a doctor appointment in Houston. They live across the street. We went over there around lunch time and we were doing great. It was three girls, including Ashton, all under four. But we were smooth sailing. Naps went well. Life was good. Then 3pm rolled around and school got out for the older girls in the family. Normally, the girls just walk home since we live about two blocks from the school. However, this school is very strict about walking home when it's raining. Because there had been maybe three sprinkles of rain fall, the school decided that kids could not walk home. The school called me a little after three asking if I could come and get them. I explained that I did not have a vehicle big enough to fit all the kids. I asked if they could walk home and I would meet them at the corner. The school said, "Okay, I'll see if there are other kids walking and have them walk with them." Great, wonderful. So I stayed home with the kids and played some more. About 25 minutes later, the girls still aren't home so I get a little nervous and call the school again. "Oh, we thought you were coming to get them. They're still here!" was their response. I felt terrible as I know how scary it can feel being stuck at school and not knowing who is coming.

So picture this: Me walking down the street, holding Ashton, and encouraging a two and three year old to walk. I stop at my house thinking I would grab our stroller for one kid and our push car for the two-year-old. Well the oldest child wants to ride Ashton's tricycle. So now imagine this: Me pushing a stroller and a push car side by side and encouraging a three year old to ride a very small tricycle down the street. We were quite the scene. One lady stopped and asked if I needed help. I thought back to the story at conference where the lady gets on the bus with seven kids and the driver asks, "Are these all your's or are you going on a picnic?" No, the kids were not all mine and we were on no picnic! After a few meltdowns, we made it to the school, got the girls, and made the trek back.

When I got home, I felt like I had lost the fight. I felt very discouraged. And then I thought back to my prayers and how Heavenly Father had given me the patience and strength to get through the dilemma. I didn't lose my cool and I didn't toss in the towel. I feel it was God's way of letting me know that He still listens to my prayers, maybe a little too carefully. I feel better prepared to handle a road trip but we'll see what happens.