I’m not sure what happened today, but the older children all got up before I called them, and were ready to work before I asked them. This has never happened! Definitely a moment to celebrate.

Obviously not so with the younger ones, who required a bit more cajoling to get involved with all the exciting work before them. Maddie and Theo seem to have allergies to writing, which I understand but it seems we can’t avoid it entirely. So I promised a ‘really fun game!’ if we did this one little piece.

Maddie was persuaded, and produced a fact file on magpies which she was so proud of, she took it to show the chicks. They cheeped loudly, which seemed enthusiastic enough.

Theo seems to have developed a love of lists, a boy after my own heart. So ticking items off the I Spy sheet won him over. And Micah – well, if you give the boy food he’ll do anything. Although counting with Cheerios could prove to be messy maths, and might not help his addition. He’ll be a whizz at subtracting though.

Having got the ‘it’s so boring’ work out of the way, we got the ‘Pebble Plop’ game going. Apparently it’s meant to teach them listening skills, turn taking, and motor skills. My children mostly learned not to get in the way when Micah’s throwing stones. He throws hard, fast, and very accurately. A life lesson indeed.

Pebble throwing antics done, Theo insisted on his climbing frame being turned into a pirate ship today, complete with the resident shark.

Liam has been busy with project summer house this week since he’s been able to source materials, so Maddie and Micah brought out the toy tool box and started roofing the climbing frame.

Micah took the job seriously, stripping off his t shirt as any good builder would, and chopping wood with his circular saw.

The chicks continue to be subjected to frequent cuddles, and generally provide a good source of entertainment. Theo’s nursery teacher rang today, and we ended up chatting more about the chicks than the children. She wanted advice on how to know if one of hers is a cockerel. I have absolutely know knowledge whatsoever, but suggested when he gets big enough to crow she might know?! I’m sure she appreciated my wisdom on the matter.

I’ve actually been on a bit of a low on the Corona coaster today. Early this morning I read the Welsh Government traffic light document regarding thoughts on return to ‘normal’ life, and, honestly, it made me really sad. The thought that even on the green level it still suggested social distancing would be required just made me miserable. The nursery teacher rang to talk about Micah starting nursery, and I couldn’t just ‘take one day at a time’, I had to imagine what September may or may not look like. And suddenly I was fed up of it all. The mess in the house, the people never giving me a moments peace, not seeing other people properly, the uncertainties, the stories of other people’s sadness, job struggles, and loss and grief.

So I got pensive and frustrated and resented interruptions to my thought processes. Which in all honesty, weren’t that positive anyway.

And in the middle of my brooding I was trying to think about the Psalm which ironically I had suggested to my friends that we read before our zoom this evening.

It was Psalm 46, which I quoted the beginning of on here somewhere in the early days of lockdown. But today I looked at it again. And was encouraged. It’s all about an all-powerful God being the refuge in trouble. He provides a source of sustenance and peace even in the middle of chaos. His sovereignty and faithfulness mean there is no need to fear, the world doesn’t have to crumble, even in the craziest of times. He is bigger than I can imagine, closer than I can imagine, stronger and safer than I can imagine.

1 ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.’ – Psalms 46

And right there at the end of the Psalm, it says the words which have popped up for me time and again over these last weeks, which I have framed next to me as I write,

‘Be Still’.

The words God spoke to Moses as the people stood terrified at the edge of the Red Sea, Egyptian Armies behind them, an uncrossable sea in front of them. ‘I will fight for you, you only have to be still.’ ‘Be still, and know that I am God.’

Maybe He’s telling me something? I don’t have to wrestle, He’s got this. I only have to be still, and know that He is God. He hasn’t left us alone to fight in isolation, He’s right here, fighting for us. I don’t have to be moved or shaken. I can be still.