Morning Lord! Day two of the new regime and already I feel ten times more tired from having to do two school drop-offs than I usually would at this stage of the day. Praise your name for the restorative powers of coffee is all I can say. At this rate the staff here at the coffee shop could get to see more of me than some of my own family and friends – I ought to start getting to know them a bit better I think.
One of the girls on staff here asked me if I was writing a book since I’m always scribbling away when I come in. She said she’d heard that J. K. Rowling had written her first Harry Potter book in a café and wondered if I was doing the same. And, while I don’t know too much about Harry Potter it is true that there are some elements of my life that seem in close parallel to Harry’s in that there always seems to be something unpleasant lurking in the halls of my life ready to spring out and get me. But then, maybe I exaggerate just a little!
True to my resolution to not have my life completely swamped by the Wests, I called Jess last night to see how things are going post-move. According to Jess everything is fabulous. She loves living in town, loves the work, loves the people she works with, and loves the little flat they’re in. I wondered about how Madison was doing in the midst of this love fest and it seemed clear that Jess hadn’t put a great deal of time into analysing this element of her life. At length she said that Madison seemed happy enough, although she did concede that Madison hadn’t had a lot to say – either positive or negative – about her new home and school. Hmm. I will definitely need to stay in touch I think.
Libby called to say she’d had a great idea and thought it would be nice to put on some sort of engagement afternoon tea for Jasmine. It seems that while I have been up to my eyeballs in Wests, Libby has been busy befriending Jasmine and getting along with her like a house on fire. I have to admit, Lord, that I did struggle to come to terms with the fact that two of the most aloof people I have ever met are suddenly all buddy-buddy with one another. How is it that I have never managed such an easy connection with Jasmine after all these years?
According to Libby, Jasmine is very open to Christian things. Again, how come I never picked up on that? What is wrong with me, Lord? Anyway, what could I say to Libby’s proposal except that it was a great idea? Of course I have no capacity at the moment to host or organise such an event, but Libby has everything under control. Jasmine has supplied her with a list of her friends that she’d like invited (I would struggle to name a single one) and Libby herself is going to play the hostess-with-the-mostest this very Saturday afternoon.
On top of this, Libby also told me that she has put her hand up to take over Sunday School. Naturally I should be thrilled since a) someone is taking over b) that someone isn’t me and c) Libby will do a great job of it, but somehow this piece of news (on top of the great engagement party idea) just made me feel inadequate. Now I know this all says far more about me than it does about Libby, but I would be lying if I said I felt anything other than put out. Contrary little thing, aren’t I?
Anyway, as usual, Lord, all I can do is hand over all these twisted, stupid, petty feelings and trust that you would continue to work in my life. Be gentle with me though! Better head back home now. I pray also for the strength to get through another autism-tinged day. In your mighty name I pray…Amen