Someone the other day said that the days were going really fast. I think they’re in a different time zone to me. It’s not that today was bad, but the days definitely do feel veeeerrryyy long. It’s not that they’re boring, although there are definitely times when it feels like Groundhog Day. Toby still asks me every night, ‘what are we doing tomorrow?’ I think in the desperate hope that I’ll find something more interesting than ‘staying at home!’ But maybe the feeling of a day lasting 40 hours is simply because I’m not getting 6 children out of the house by 8:15, doing 5 school drop offs and pick ups, and then all the after school/evening running around. And for that, I’m grateful.

Schooling went better today-Auntie Estie’s Pokemon maths lesson worksheet went down a treat with Toby, and definitely saved me from the swing dance lesson, so I owe her big time when we’re allowed to see each other again. And I finally found some activities that inspired my little reluctant student.

I was particularly chuffed with this one. I decided to channel his water pistol obsession and turn it into a learning opportunity. Spray the letters of your name. Spray the numbers in the right order. What’s one add two? Spray the answer!

It all went well until they turned the pistols on me and I had to make a hasty retreat into the house.

Other than that, it was a peaceful day here really. I was supplied with baking goods so I put them to use and basically faffed in the kitchen for most of the afternoon.

I was thinking today that it can seem quite trivial when I write about my days sometimes, knowing that for other people there are much greater challenges to this time than we in our home are facing right now. And I never want my lighthearted take on our days to minimise the hard stuff that I know people are coming up against. I find it helps me to look for the bright spots and the hope amongst the very real losses or fear of loss that many of us are facing, and I’m grateful for all of you who’ve said you enjoy reading my daily ramblings! I just want you to know that whatever you might be going through, juggling work and childcare, financial loss, plans cancelled, grief, loneliness – I haven’t forgotten you, and I’m praying for you in your dark moments.

I read one of my favourite bits in Isaiah this morning, verses I’ve held onto in some of my lowest moments, so I hope they encourage you too.

1 But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
3 For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you.
4 Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you. Isaiah 43:1-4