The Life of Savages

The craze on Broad Street

Philadelphia never disappoints with its “local color” though it perpetually disappoints with its sports’ teams.  But tonight the latter has been reversed and converged with the former to produces QUITE a spectacle. The Phillies have WON THE WORLD SERIES!!!!!  I hear the roar from the stadium, hear the illegal fireworks being shot off in the narrow streets, but by far the most entertaining part of tonight was to see my neighbors running out in our street in their boxers. . .screaming.  Oh yeah, its Philly baby.  The city has flooded Broad street – the main street that goes through center city.  We happen to be about 4 blocks from this street so Brian and Trevor went to get in on the magic.  The picture is from their adventure!  (As you read this post, hum the Rocky theme song)

It has been such a nice day.  Lily and I got ready and out the door with no drama.  We dropped off the car to get it worked on and then we walked over the the subway to ride to meet some friends.  After we visited, we came home, ate lunch, had “potty time” and now Lily is sleeping.  I was thinking about what constitutes a good day for me – since none of the above is too remarkable. . . 

If I say that I have had a pleasant day, that usually means that Lily has remained calm, rational and not worked me too hard.  It means that she decided to go along with my agenda and I was able to get out and see other adults.  As I sit here thinking, I realize that most of my frustration with other types of days lies in how much I prize my “pleasant day”.  When Lily doesn’t want to get dressed, when she just decides to be “unfriendly” and introverted, or put up a fuss about eating, my day is easily “ruined”.  

Why am I so frustrated?  After all in the big scheme of things,  Lily is incredibly obedient (or responds well to discipline), focused, super imaginative and funny.  I get frustrated because what I “want” turns into something that I “need” right now.  And what a great tragedy when something I really neeeeed isn’t given – I mean that gives me the right to react now doesn’t it?  Hmmmmmmm

It is perfectly fine to want an easygoing day but I don’t “need” one in order to be patient, loving and content.  Those are things that spring up from out of my heart no matter what the situation.  I love my CCEF days and it is a day like this that reminds me what they taught.  The trials or “heat” in life don’t determine a response.  They reveal what is already in the heart (that causes all our responses).  Thinking about it that way is a bit frightening.  I cannot be a self-satisfied with myself for how mature I have become in my short 29 years. Those little bumps in my pleasantry reveal who I really am. . .and when I see it I know I need grace.  Pining for the pleasant days distracts me from actively looking to the Lord for strength and transformation.

So, I am going to say thanks for today but tomorrow when Lily screams her head off. . . I am going to try to remember to say thanks for that too. . .