Since starting my store on Teachers Pay Teachers, I have slowly been building up my inventory. One of the things that has been selling are comprehension packets for Middle School books. I am currently working on one for The Magician’s Nephew by CS Lewis. I am in need of it for one of my Middle School classes and it matches what I’ve been selling. However, the process can be a bit lengthy to get it done around teaching, parenting and such. I was super excited about the extra time I got to spend on it Wednesday night while the girls were at church and the extra time I would get to work on it Thursday before my dentist appointment at 2:00. Since, I am a teacher we can take time off in two increments, a whole day or a half day. I was taking a half day for my appointment which meant that I would leave work at 11:30. So, I would have at least an hour and a half to work on it.

THEN, Wednesday night leaving church our youngest was shivering and talking about how cold she was. It was super cold outside, so I really didn’t think much about it at first. Then as we finished getting everyone to bed, I realized that she is never cold. So, no matter how cold it is outside it is strange for her to be shivering and complaining of being cold. I was on my way in to check her temperature when she said, “Momma, my eyes hurt.” Sure enough she had a fever. So instead of taking half a day off, I took the whole day off to be home with her. It’s a blessing to get the chance to be home with your child when they are sick. For several years, my mom had to do that for me because I didn’t have sick time built up after my maternity leaves. However, even with the extra time off it meant no time to work on my “assignment”. In fact here I am at 9:16 pm on Friday, and I have not touched that “assignment” since Wednesday.

On my way to take Brinley to my mom’s today, so that I could be at Whitley’s (our oldest daughter) Valentine’s Party, I was thinking about how you should just expect things to change from the plan when you have children. Yes, my mom still helps even though I’ve got some time built up! I realized that even though these last two days did not result in the productivity or alone time I thought they would, they did bring me several blessings. I have heard, “Momma, you look so pretty!, “You’re so snuggly!”, “I love you!”, “I love snuggling with you!” and so many other sweet things repeatedly. I would not have had those words of encouragement and love or the countless, hugs, smiles, giggles, and kisses if these days had gone according to my plan. Then I realized that perhaps if I would expect the unexpected, if I would expect that my plans will get changed and turned around, I won’t waste so much time being upset about that! Then I can better savor the blessings that often come in what at first looks like a set back. If Brinley had not been sick, I would not have had as much time to spend at Whitley’s party. Even if I had had a chance to leave my classes, I would have had to go to both girls’ parties. Whitley and I rarely get time that is just for the two of us, and I’ve already mentioned several of the sweet things Brinley gave me during our two days together!

So, if I can expect the unexpected, I will find that these setbacks truly are savory!! Have you had any savory setbacks? I’d love to hear about them!