Day # Resorting to Bribery?!

Our sea glass collection today!

Chandler’s hunk of wood! 

And another heavy hunk of wood

Emma found a “tablet” 

Mud, rocks and sea glass! 

Thankful and blessed! 

Bribery: the giving or offering up of a bribe. Yup! Today I used bribery! I told the kids that if we finished our school work for the day early we would go get lunch from McDonald’s and go to the beach. The truth of the matter is that the children did not need bribery to get their school work done as they are usually up and starting on their work before 7:00am. However, the bribery was for this mom! (By getting lunch from McDonald’s that is one less meal to cook!)  Truthfully, I am ready to be done with the whole quarantine, staying-at-home, at-home learning, missing church, missing school, I am just done! However, we are not done, and we do not know when we will be done. Therefore, we press on!

We did get all of the requirements for the day done before lunchtime, and I was even able to squeeze in a short run. Then we went on our adventure to McDonald’s and the beach! The children were very glad to have a change of scenery, and we even swung by the airport to drop off some lunch for Roger! Fun times! While the day was chilly and cool, the kids were dressed in their winter coats and boots, so we were comfortable for a walk to the beach. Travis brought along his bucket to collect his treasures in, and Emma happily helped him fill it up with “treasures”. We serve a majestic God whose handiwork is visibly in all of His Creation. Our children really enjoy being outside, and they were happy to tromp along the beach shore for well over an hour. Chandler found a huge hunk of wood that he wanted to use for his fort, and Travis and Garett also found a slab of wood. These were very heavy pieces of wood, but the boys thought they could use the wood in their forts and projects at home. It was a long walk back to the van, but they did it!

Maine News: It just doesn’t seem to be easing up. The number of virus cases is up to 829, with 29 deaths. Over 350 people have recovered from the virus. One of my deep concerns for our state is how much our economy depends on tourism and small businesses. The longer we are prevented from opening back up the economy the harder it will be for our state to recover. Do I think each life is important? Um...absolutely and without a doubt! However, I also want to point out that keeping everyone at home and without gainful employment will spike the depression, suicide and child abuse numbers. We need to be aware of the whole picture. Clearly, I’m not in charge here, and no one would want me to be, but I also refuse to bury my head in the sand and pretend there is not more to this equation.

So, what do I know? I know that God is as faithful to His children now as when He parted the Red Sea for Moses. I know that God is as loving to His children now as He was when He closed the mouths of the lions for Daniel. I  know that God is as compassionate to His children now as He was when He provided for the feeding of the 5,000. We continue to rest in His promises!