Gearing up for Gold

I am thankful:

~ for a mostly successful first week back to school.  We are working on our rhythm of drop off and pickup and homework and reading and folders and lunches and snacks and water bottles.  

~for the moments when I miss my kids.  Because it helps me in the other moments when I decidedly DO NOT MISS THEM, not to feel quite as much like a wretched troll mother. 

~ for my bestest little helper while the brothers and sisters are at school. I don’t know how I’d get anything done without her!  Many have asked if the house is so quiet with the kids gone…it MOST CERTAINLY IS NOT!  When it gets quiet, that’s when I KNOW THERE’S TROUBLE!  Hurricane Tatum keeps life interesting for sure.

~ for Bear.  He is just a big fluffball of slobber and love.  We love our muppet dog.

~ for God providing some long-awaited little windows of time with a sweet friend.  Life-giving friendships are so refreshing!

~ for a mouthwatering FD’s burger with barbecue ranch sauce and sweet candied bacon. I couldn’t stop thinking about one, and finally gave in. 

~ for a fun night hosting Youth Group Back-to-School Swim Bash.  They are a spirited bunch, and they can put down  some hot dogs and some cookies!  We haven’t done much hosting over the last few years, and it was good to open up our home. 

~ for those rare moments when I get it right with the kids.  When I say “yes” instead of an automatic “no.”  When I put down what I’m doing to look at a salamander.  Or watch a giggly talent show.  When I let them chop the tomatoes and mess up the entire kitchen when it would have been so much easier to do it myself.  When I correct the tone of my voice BEFORE it comes out of my mouth.  I usually get it wrong.  My patience is short and my fuse is shorter.  But then I look at Carson Grace’s empty bedroom.  Unnaturally clean.  I don’t have to tell her to pick it up or turn her music down, but I also don’t get to kiss her goodnight.  For better or for worse, this season of Littles and chaos and bickering and smudgy windows and everybody-always-needs-mama WON’T LAST.  I’ve got to stop bemoaning the hard, stop being frustrated with the season, stop wishing it away.  Lord, let me slow down my heart and my hands so I don’t miss these moments that I won’t ever get back.  

~ for grace amidst the madness.  August/September is crazy season at our house. Between back to school, Go Gold Tyler, and Tyler Gold Run, the pace and the to-do list are RELENTLESS.And if I’m honest, which I am trying so hard to be, I feel like I live in a constant state of teetering between EXploding or IMploding.  But God.  He meets me right where I am.  He gives me the grace to apologize to my kids when I lose my patience for the 82nd time.  Or apologize to my husband when I am LESS THAN GRACIOUS to him. God braids the right people into my path at just the right moment to encourage me when I think I can’t do one more thing.  He gives me the courage to do what I’m afraid of, and the courage to say no when it’s too much.   He has lit the fire in my precious children who steadfastly love me so well and who are each so passionate about all things GOLD.  

I am so excited for Go Gold Tyler coming up this Thursday.  We are in full on Gold Mode at Casa Rucker.  Phone calls, printing photos, video editing, social media posts, building and painting, even a spontaneous last minute news interview! 

It’s busy, and completely overwhelming, but it’s good.  We’ve gotten in contact with many more families this year, and the “Network” is WORKING!  Our goal when we started Gold Network of East Texas was to offer hope and encouragement to Childhood Cancer families, and to connect them with each other.  And that is happening!  Families are meeting, reaching out to one another, and inviting new families to our events.  In 2015, we had met around 9 families.  This year we have pictures of 58 children!  Staggering.  Of course I hate it.  I hate that all these kids have had cancer.  I hate that we have to have one entire display of kids who have gone to be with Jesus instead of growing up.  I hate that I met 12 new-to-us families JUST THIS YEAR, and we all have the worst thing in common. But as long as kids get cancer and as long as families need support, we are going to ask God to continue to give us the grace to come alongside them.  If you’re local, join us Thursday night.  Go GOLD Tyler is such a special evening, and these incredible children and their families will change your lives forever.  And a reminder of the Gold Network online auction.  We still need an opening bidder!  Click here.

I wanted to share updates from Harold’s family and a message from Lucas’s mom. 

“I want to thank everyone who has been apart of our journey whether personally involved or just reading along these entries.  Thank you for praying along us and rooting for Lucas’ well being.  We needed that support both then and now.  We are truly grateful.  Do us a favor and enjoy the small stuff.  Give your loved ones an extra hug.  Smile at a stranger.  You don’t truly know what another person is living through so be kind.  And if you see a Dino randomly, maybe it’s Lucas saying hi.  We’ve had lots of sightings lately.  Love you all 🧡🦕🦖” (Kelly, Lucas’ Mom)

I will never be able to fully express how grateful I am for you, the Sunday Gratitude community.  So often I feel like I’m writing for no reason, no purpose, and wonder who in the world cares a single bit about what I write about each week.  And then one of you will post a comment.  Or stop me in the pickup line at school and say that you were encouraged.  Y’all bless me and encourage me more than I can ever explain.  Thank you for loving me, for loving Sawyer, for loving our family, and for choosing to follow along.  

Thanks for giving thanks with me. 

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”  Psalm 23:1-6

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9