The Box Turtle

With the start of this new school year, I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed. There are three lunches to pack this year instead of the one last year (Adam has decided to pack his lunch instead of buying it this year). There are three book bags to look through, three sets of papers to keep track of/organized/returned to school. There are three kids talking simultaneously when I pick them up at the end of the day. There are three kids who want/need my attention all at the same time. Awana has started back and there are Bible verses to be learned. And there is still the laundry to be done, dinner to be cooked and the house to be cleaned. There is still only one of me. In addition to this, there is the stress of an ex-husband who wants to reduce child support. There is a person from my past who refuses to go away...despite repeated requests for this person to do so...to the point where I am considering changing my email address. Last night, was particularly stressful. There was an AR test at school that didn't go well. There was a spelling test for another that didn't go well. There were boundaries to be set and help to be given. And there was still only one of me.

And then this happened.



Adam sat down and read books to Andrew for his required reading.

And after Abby and Andrew had been tucked into bed, I saw this.







Adam had become a box turtle, and we laughed. Most importantly, I see Adam growing into a fine young man. Loving, compassionate and intuitive. One who loves God and his family.

And the night ended well.