God's Wrath and a PR Dilemma (Move On Already)

The blogosphere and twitterverse have exploded in response to Pat Robertson's statement that the monster earthquake in Haiti--which caused inconceivable death and destruction--is, essentially God's punishment on a nation for a "pact with the devil" made by the nation's forefathers centuries ago. (You can watch the actual video here.)

In context, I do see that perhaps, his intent is not to directly condemn the Haitians. Rather, he seems to think it important to give a (loose, undocumented) lesson of the country's history and how it has been affected throughout history since said "pact."

I have to ask, though, where was Mr. Robertson's PR team? Was there no discussion about the show that day, no script? Mr. Robertson and his team have been around the media business long enough to know that a statement like this can be chopped, edited, and twisted into the smallest sound-byte possible (not to mention the sensational headlines), and yet, this didn't make it through the vetting process? And yes, I must say, this is a statement that requires much more than a clarification, which is then followed by a Tiger-esque retreat to who-knows-where.

There is no doubt the timing of Mr. Robertson's educational foray was poor. But, we need to move on. At this point there are millions of people in need of our help. We can either choose to be distracted and debate the controversial statements of Mr. Robertson (and, today, Danny Glover), or we can choose to take action along with our fellow Americans.

Today, the Red Cross reported that they had received $10 million in aid through text messages alone. What an excellent use of technology. If you haven't done so yet, text in your donation, or give to the rescue efforts underway in Haiti right now. Through Red Cross, Samaritan's Purse, World Vision, or other reputable organizations.

Let's get busy doing what needs to be done. Lives are at stake.

If you haven't had your fill of the subject, these two titles are worthwhile reads:

*Don Miller wrote an excellent blog post, responding to Mr. Robertson's statement.

*Newsweek came out with an interesting piece titled "Why God Hates Haiti--the frustrating theology of suffering."

Thankful Soup

I think back to 2009, and I am reminded that I have many things for which I can be thankful. I also see some areas in my life that I would like to grow in 2010. So, tonight I write my thanks. Perhaps tomorrow I will gain the courage to write what I hope 2010 will look like in my life.

1. I am thankful for my relationship with Jesus Christ, and His willingness to always extend grace to me; though I continually fall short of portraying Him and His love to my family, friends, and strangers.

2. Mr. Right. Adam is a fantastic balance to me and my (many) quirks. He is loving, patient, kind, and the best father to Zachary. Plus, he's hot.

3. Zachary. That kid brings smiles and laughs each day. His arrival in our lives was life-altering. It turned us upside down and inside out. I never knew I could love so much or so hard. My favorite phrase of his (recently) is, "I dig you, Mom!" Could it get any sweeter?

4. Employment. In the midst of a highly tumultuous economy, Adam and I both have steady employment. I am increasingly reminded of what a true gift this is; and as if that isn't enough, I truly enjoy what I do, and the people with whom I work.

5. Home. We have a warm, cozy home. It isn't the biggest--it's a townhouse--or the swankiest in the area. But it's ours, and we laugh, play, eat, and enjoy life in this little home.

6. Family and friends. This year has brought with it pain, waiting, wondering, and more questions than there are stars in the sky. Through it all, I have had the support and love of my family and friends, who often offered encouragement with a simple smile or hug. You know who you are. Thank you.

I am deeply, richly blessed. Reflecting on the good in life often makes the bad more bearable.

Breakfast Blog Entry

I spent the last six months unwittingly fasting the blog. So, this is my "breakfast" entry, so to speak. When I look back at the last six months, I realize a lot of life happened. A lot of firsts for Zachary, and some for us, too.

Today is our first real snow of the season. And, I look out the window of--where else?--Starbucks, and see a gorgeous white blanket that makes me want to catch the first flight to Fort Lauderdale. I think coming into our seventh winter in Chicago, I've decided I really don't care for snow. Is this because I have a three year-old to schlep around in it? Or, because I have seen more than a native Pacific Northwesterner should in her life? I am not sure. Stay tuned, maybe I will dissect these questions further.

Soon I will hop in the pimpin' minivan and head to Zachary's school for their Christmas "Cup of Juice." I think this entails a craft together, a cookie, and (of course) a cup of juice. This is only one of two times I will get to do this with him, so I intend to soak up the entire experience thoroughly. Then, we'll hop back in aforementioned vehicle, and we'll slippity-slide home.

Winter is here. Blech.

Too small

I knew the day would come when my lap would be too small for my boy to sit in. I didn't know it would be so soon.

Zachary is now three, knows his mind, and has his own *strong* opinions. He is 40 inches tall, and loves to show off his Samson-like strength. It is thrilling to watch him grow and develop into the big boy that he is. But it's heartbreaking, too, because the past three years have gone more quickly than I could have imagined.

I've been working more than normal recently, so Zachary and I often grab whatever sweet moments together that we can. The other morning, he woke up at 4:30, asking to rock with me. Since this request now comes as often as Hailey's Comet, I seized the chance to drowsily rock with my all-arms-and-legs little dude.

As we rocked in the wee hours of the morning, listening to the birds usher in the day with their chirp-talk, I realized, "Zachary isn't really sitting in my lap." Rather, he was sitting beside me, because he had started sliding off my lap. It's too small. So, with that realization, I began mourning the passing of the "littleness" in my life. Zachary is now "big."

As much as I celebrate his growth and development, a little bit of my heart is broken. I know he's still little comparatively, but somewhere along the line, we passed that baton on to other friends who have had kids since he was born. So, I wipe away the tears of sadness, and brighten up, smile, and ask Zachary to show me how he can climb that baseball backstop. We have much to look forward to, but I secretly hope he asks to rock at least one more time.

Reflections

I am sitting on the deck with Adam, enjoying a beautiful spring day in Chicago. It's about 70 degrees, blue skies, and no humidity. Kind of like Seattle in July. Kicking my feet back, I am reflecting on the past three years and the changes that we have seen in our family in that short period of time.

Zachary turned three this past Wednesday. And, as every other mother I know, I spent much of the day reminiscing about the day my sweet baby was born. Looking through pictures, I realize just how little he was. Duh, right? We loved our "little sack of sugar" and have loved seeing him grow and change through all of the developmental stages.

Three weeks ago, on April 9, he went to bed without his binky. We seized on the opportunity to break him of the habit. While it hasn't been the easiest transition (according to him, it was an accidental occurence and he begged for it the next day), his future orthodontist will thank us for it. Or maybe, because we jumped on it, his orthodontist will not thank us for it, because he won't have as much work to bill.

Then, last Saturday, May 2, we went cold turkey to big boy underwear. Okay, not completely. His bed thanks us for that. But, for a week, during his waking hours Zachary has only worn underwear. And while that has been another big transition, he's weathering it well. Some days are better than others.

With all of these big boy changes, Z has begun presenting us with some challenges. Who sets the rules? One little three year-old I know would like to think he does. I hear this is a phase. Perhaps lasting another 15 years or so.

Each day I look at the boy in front of me and wonder how we so quickly went from "sack of sugar" to "tall drink of water with a little spice." I pray continually that God will give me the wisdom to guide him as he grows into a little man; and that as he grows, Zachary will learn what matters most in life through our actions.

Monkey business

This weekend we went to Lincoln Park Zoo. From the moment we told Zachary where we were headed, to the time we walked through the gate, the only thing we heard from his mouth was, "We're going to see MONKEYS!"

So, see monkeys we did. And penguins, apes, chimps, giraffes, zebras, lions, tigers (polar) bears, and so much more. But, the monkeys stole the show. As does our little monkey, oftentimes.

Seeing the zoo and its animals through an almost-three-year-old's eyes was an astounding experience. Every little thing had to be studied and questioned. The things we take for granted ("the seal looks bigger right now because it's underwater and the glass is curved") can be breathtaking discoveries for a little one.

I sit here tonight reflecting on our adventure so thankful for the gift of Zachary. I am a better person because of his existence. His open, curious, sweet, gentle nature is a reminder to me that I can, and should, appreciate God's creative work more often than I do.

"There they are, Mom!"

The meal of choice these days, "hot dog and bread"

He did his best to drive the train, but this was the closest he could get.
Successful train ride, tired boy missing a nap.

This was a familiar sight around the zoo.

Coffee date with Mommy in Greektown.

Jumping on the hotel bed with Cousin Kaitlyn's Flat Stanley

Z's first time on a train. Flat Stanley's, too.

The end of a great adventure.

Are you happy?

At almost-three years old, Zachary has begun to place labels on emotions that we experience. Curiously, he is particularly interested in, and in tune with, mommy's emotions.

In recent weeks, receiving a stern talking-to, or being disciplined, he stops, looks at me, shines his genuine, signature smile and says, "Are you happy?"

That makes it difficult to continue with the stern mommy-face. I am sure he sees that, and that is why he does it. What a goofy, goofy dude. He sure makes us laugh!