I say it’s day 6, but who really knows? I have to consciously check my phone in the morning to know the day of the week now. Turns out today was Sunday – Mothering Sunday no less.

Although it was strange not to be headed to church this morning, and I missed that community, I’m so grateful for all I have today. I was surrounded by little and big people, some of them fighting to get as near to me as they could (that’ll be the older two boys, then). My big girls had gone to the shops and bought me something way back last weekend when we had that kind of freedom! Maddie and Theo had produced works of art in school which I then paid for to support the school, gave to them when they arrived, they hid them and I feigned extreme surprise when they proudly produced them this morning. And Liam had been very lovely and ordered some surprises off my wishlist (which I wrote so long ago that I forget what is on it), supporting small businesses (that always makes me happy), and somehow it all seems so much more special to receive gifts when you know it’s not as easy as nipping to Tesco the night before.

Maddie was insistent that because it’s Mother’s Day she should do the washing up. She stood there for an hour washing a handful of things, until her fingers went all wrinkled and she declared it was very tiring.

I had on my mind today all those friends for whom Mother’s Day is so hard. I feel blessed and humbled for all I have, and pray I always remain grateful and never take what I have for granted.

We had an epic family Zoom call to mum, in which I was largely pushed out of the way by my children, two people munched on snacks, Dr Joel couldn’t get the sound to work so had to join in via sign language and written messages, and no one really knew what anyone was saying. But it was hilarious nonetheless, and lovely to see everyone’s faces. We have little to complain about isolation when we live in a time like this really-my presents came via mail order, we connected together via the laptop, and the Dominos man brought my Mother’s Day dinner.

It was good to join in the National Day Of Prayer this evening, and spend some time whilst sitting with small people tucked up in bed, calling on God for hope and healing for our world. For protection for the staff who are caring for those who are ill. For protection for those who are vulnerable. For the leaders of our country to make the right decisions in managing this crisis. For the people around us to consider one another’s needs before their own. For comfort for those who are grieving loved ones. And for good to come from all of this.

6 ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7