juxtaposition

As my overflowing cart of groceries was being swiped and bagged, I pulled out my wallet to get my credit card to pay. Absolute shock overcame me when I realized I had taken my card out of my wallet (part of the money thing we've got going on...no more points from card just the debit). My debit card was no good since I had paid every bill and left coins in checking and our savings account is detached from checking (for good reason). With blush creeping onto my face, I told the cashier that I would have to come back for my groceries.

So I run home, grab the card, go back to the store, shove the card in my pocket, grab the kids, find my cart and wheel it to a lane. Only to realize that somewhere in between the parking lot and lane MY CARD HAS FALLEN OUT OF MY POCKET. I carefully search every pocket, every crevice of my purse, the floor, the parking lot, my car and even the plastic bag recycle bin which I has thrown some bags into on my second entrance into the store. Three store employees help me look and the card is gone. In a last attempt to get my food and bring an end to the embarrassment and frazzle, I ask the manager if my husband can give his card over the phone. YES...but Patrick also took his card out of his wallet and IT IS AT HOME!!!

Once again, I rush home, and on the way decide to play it safe and cancel my credit card. When the service rep puts the cancellation through he informs me that Patrick's card will also be canceled!!! I beg him to reverse it but neither he nor some other fraud super protector do that. I AM SCREWED! I unload my kids, who have been the picture of patience and good temper, and shower them with M & M's.

The whole time I am thinking "you just cannot make up stuff this good!" (And I seriously need to replenish my stockpile of emergency cash in the 72 hour kit and I must get a normal savings account.)

So there it is...no groceries...no money (until my new card arrives on Tuesday which is sooner than a transfer from our far away savings can reach the checking account). THANK GOODNESS FOR FOOD STORAGE! We had plenty of food. And Patrick can bring home milk and fruit from the stash at work to supplement us for a few days. I have enough gas and no need for anything for our household, the kids, etc.

***

Fast forward a few hours...kids asleep, Patrick back at home after some family time, me watching a documentary entitled, God Grew Tired of Us. I almost turned the movie off because the images were difficult to fathom. 27,000 young boys fleeing Sudan to avoid being killed. Little kids being cared for by other kids. Countries not allowing these "Lost Boys" to stay. Walking over 1,000 on foot by themselves. Simply unimaginable.

The documentary follow three boys who are moved to the US to work, go to school, etc. The joy and loneliness and shock and excitement they felt was so moving. They played with light switches, were amazed at the grocery store, kept their very humble apartments so clean, and showed such gratitude for clothing, food and simple jobs.

I was humbled. My flaky mistake today may have made my life less comfortable than I would like but I have everything I need and much more. I thought of how fixated I get on having new jeans or something for the house or how I want my kids to have a new toy... My life is so rich and so full and safe and happy and peaceful. My heart just aches for children who have to suffer when I cannot imagine even a portion of their hardships.

So this weekend, as I am at my home of freedom and safety with my healthy kids and supportive husband , I'll not be thinking of the things I wish I could have but enjoy the wonderful hours and simple moments with the sweet blessing I do have.