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Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Where's the Asprin?

Once a year the school district where we live in Southwest California does something unusual. Every Wednesday in the last week of September they schedule a “non-student day.” The teachers work but the students stay home. This is a big deal around the Donovan home. It is the only day in the year, when we travel an hour to Disneyland. We spend the day enjoying the park minus the crows and long lines.

There are benefits to living in California. Never mind the earthquakes, the fruits and the nuts, and the over priced real estate. *grin*

Now let me remind you I was with my daughter, my twelve-year-old daughter. Do you think she wanted to ride the Teacups or leisurely sail through, It’s a Small World? Oh no, it was a fast-paced, head-jerking, bouncing, weaving, convulsing, scream your head off, dawn-to-dusk, thrill ride, marathon.

We rode every single ride, in both parks mind you, where you panick then grab the safety railings with white-knuckled fingers and hang on for dear life. Every ride enticed us at least twice and sometimes more…. Can you see me running around to get in line again? I did!

After arriving home that day with a ton of great memories, laughs and a small crick in my neck, my daughter and I collapsed into bed.

The next morning is when I realized my folly. I could barely move. I was stiff all over and suffering from a king-sized headache. My shoulders were permanently stiff and gathered up around my poor neck. I hurt from the top of my head all the way to my big toes.

I dragged myself to the coffee pot then shuffled to my daughter’s room to get her out of bed and ready for school. She moved slow as well, and then complained about her sore shoulders. That is when I had a V-8 minute. You know this. It’s where you smack yourself on the forehead and a distant memory dawns on you.

That miniute I remembered last year’s visit to Disneyland and how the next day was horrid. I recalled my pinch-in-the-neck, headache had lasted for three days. Why, oh, why do I not remember the price I paid last year? Sometimes those unpleasant experiences I endure just don’t stick.

Don’t get me wrong, spending the day with my daughter was a blast. But, why didn’t I think to bring along one of her 12-year-old friends?

I have thought about this V-8 moment many times this week as I gulped down asprin. Why didn’t I learn the lesson the first time? Then I started to remember all the revisits to the Lord’s classroom. Why, oh, why can’t I get it right the first time? How frustrated God must be.

For example, repeating Finances 101 is a recurring habit. God is always there to instruct me about trusting Him. He reminds me, “Lynn, remember when you were a single parent? You learned to live on $25 a week after I helped you pay the bills. Also let me remind you of the time I supplied the exact amount of money you needed to pay the mortgage and how it came from an unexpected source.”

Another “do-over” course I attend regularly covers the danger of pride. He also schedules repeaters with regard to James 1:19. I think I am finally getting that one down.

However, the Lord’s patient instruction over the years is priceless to me. A treasure I store in my heart. He never fails to show up even when I mess up for the third, fourth, fifth, etc. etc.…… His protection, wisdom, and love never fail.

1 Corinthians 13:4a (NIV)
Love is patient, love is kind.

As for the most recent lesson learned, next year it is Dad’s turn!

Have a blessed and beautiful day! See you in the classroom.


I would love to visit with you over at my place: Spiritually Unequal Marriage.

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10 Comments:

Blogger Chris @ Come to the Table said...

Lynn,
As a native of California, I know all too well the rides you are talking about. My heart is a bit home sick.

I am so thankful that the Lord is patient with me as it seems I have had many "do-overs" and over and over.

Great post Lynn!

October 2, 2007 at 9:56 PM  
Blogger Denise said...

Thanks for another wonderful post my friend.

October 3, 2007 at 12:20 AM  
Blogger Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife said...

You are such a brave woman...I gave up coasters long ago. Of course, my kids aren't teens yet so I may have to get out the Depends and try again! :))

Seriously, this is a great post. You always have the best stories and application.

much love to you!!

Lisa

October 3, 2007 at 9:39 AM  
Blogger eph2810 said...

I have to agree with Lisa - you are very brave woman, my friend. I don't think you would see me on any of those rides -- maybe the teacup *grin*...
But I certainly will see you God's classroom - often (if you are there)...I seem to hold back on certain things--I guess I am a little afraid of the things He can do!

Thank you so much for sharing and taking us on your joy-ride.

Be blessed today and always.

October 4, 2007 at 12:23 AM  
Blogger Aunt Angie said...

"Better you than me"....I get sea sick on a water bed!
I have been on some of those "do overs"....and unfortunately the literal can of V-8 smacked me in the head!!!
Thankfully----there is grace....and mercy....and another day!!!!
I loved this post!

October 4, 2007 at 11:54 AM  
Blogger Heather said...

It does seem like God has unending patience with us doesn't it? Life spirals around and we keep ending up at the same spot but each time we're learning at a little deeper level (hopefully!) and thankfully God is not surprised at all by our struggles.

October 4, 2007 at 12:33 PM  
Blogger Vicki said...

You tickle me. I just love the way you can weave such timely truth through everyday happenings. I've had many a "V-8" moment myself, so boy, do I relate. I used to call it 'going around the mountain again.'

Blessings on your weekend!
love,
Vicki

October 4, 2007 at 2:41 PM  
Blogger 2nd Cup of Coffee said...

I second Heather's and Vicki's sentiments. If only we could get it right after the first memory loss!

October 4, 2007 at 6:42 PM  
Blogger Darlene Schacht said...

Here's the deal. I'll come over every September, and volunteer to ride the nasty rides with her just so I can crash your date. lol

Oh, you make me want to live near you so badly, just because you're you, and now Disneyland? You're killing me!

Let's make a date in heaven to have days like this. I know they'll be aspirin free.

October 6, 2007 at 10:39 AM  
Blogger Giulianna @ Family Blueprint said...

I was giggling dear sister Lynn as I read through your day and week. I recall as a mom the first time I rode this one crazy ride that flew up side to side with radical g-forces and for the next week the upper part of my body felt like I was engorged after a baby's birth.

Isn't it true how often we forget lessons learned? Is that why I had so many children, because I could not remember pain???

I say AMEN to having to learn the same lessons so many times over. You would think it would all just come naturally to always do what is right, yet...I was convicted by Susan's blog just today and realized...until I am face to face with Jesus, I will never ARRIVE!

May we keep pressing forward and encourage one another!!! Blessings to you!

October 10, 2007 at 4:12 PM  

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