A hug from above

Today, David and I have both felt just a bit 'blah'. Not sure why. Maybe it was the dreary weather? Or perhaps the lack of sleep we got last night? Pregnancy emotions (for me, not David =D)? Thoughts concerning the present and future? Or perhaps a mix of all of those.

Well, as David's younger brother's wedding is just a few short days away, we decided it was time to brave the stores with our little clan and get some nice clothes for the kiddos. Our kids don't really have any super nice clothes, as they didn't need them at all in R-land. And, we didn't think it would be quite appropriate to have our young ones go to their uncle's wedding in jeans and winter boots. Plus a while ago, I had promised the older girls that they could get a new dress for uncle Hans' wedding... and they hadn't forgotten that promise. =)

While driving to the store, David and I briefly talked about the fact that it wasn't going to be cheap getting all 5 kiddos something nice to wear. We both started to get a little overwhelmed thinking about it, but decided we needed to get them something! And they can't wear winter boots in the summer!

While in the store, I was frantically trying to find 2 decent dresses for the twins, while telling the older three to "stay close" and "no, you are not getting that little pink purse", all the while listening to the babies fussing from their stroller as David kept pushing them up and down the aisles to try and keep them quiet. In all this commotion, I turned around to see a friend with a big smile on her face. We exchanged hugs and greetings, and when asked what we were up to, I told her that we were trying to find some clothes for the kids to wear to the wedding on Saturday. We talked a bit more, but honestly, I was quite distracted trying to keep an eye on the kids and having to deal with a certain little boy who burst into tears when I told him, "no, you can not have that Spider Man umbrella". (Big sigh.)

Before we parted ways, my friend came closer and placed something in my hand. "This is for you guys", she said, "to help get some nice things for the wedding." I couldn't help get teary-eyed as I thanked her from the bottom of my heart, humbled, not really knowing what to say.

After we finally found everything needed to make our little ones some-what presentable on Saturday, we were in awe when we realized that the gift of money our friend gave us more than covered the expense of the clothes (and shoes for the babies). What a blessing! It was just such a hug from Him, and such a reminder to us that He is still with us, still loves us, and still cares about us. He will provide for us.

Thank-you, Father, for that reminder today.