Sometimes I'm a real DING DONG

Klyde Warren Park is a COOL park in downtown Dallas that sits atop a tunnel.  It was scheduled to open and one of the board members at my school gave free tickets to the opening.  I grabbed two for John and I.  The girls were going to be with their dad and Edward so it sounded fun.  Ding Dong move number one:  we get on the train to ride it down to the park from John's job.  I realize I left the tickets in the car in the parking garage.  So we get off the train, ride the reverse train back to the garage and get the tickets.  We get BACK on the train to downtown, walk to the park enjoying the night and the walk through downtown.  When we get to Klyde Warren, it is oddly dark and quiet.  Ding Dong move number two:  the "grand opening" is next week...geesh.  So much for our super cool weekend sans kids.  We decided just to walk around and look at buildings and see what we see.  The kids call.  All heck has broke loose at their dad's house and the kids are calling.  Welcome to parenting, dad.  Instead of freaking out and calling the police, I make sure everyone is okay and that they feel that they are safe (despite whatever craziness might be ensuing) and let them go.  I learn a little more with each valley that I have to trust God to protect them and let them figure this out on their own as well as seeing the situation for what it is...the good and bad.   And I needed the ex to see that parenting is hard...it's not all disneyland rides and fields with flowers and sweet feelings.  This is part of it as well.   He kicked Edward out soon afterward.

Solomon's Court

Edward lived with his dad for a while.  Oh, and his dad let me know how just a little time with him and he had straightened Edward ALL OUT.  Ever since the divorce, with EVERY set back or struggle a child has gone through...the bad is always me being a bad mom, and the good is always his being a good dad.  VERY ODD.  It's a thought I often have to hold captive to truth and know that I have done the best I can with what I have.  I have never claimed to be perfect. But I was there for it all...in all my imperfection, loving the way I thought best.  And, to be sure, dude, I don't care where the help comes from.  When you pray for God to use someone/ANYone to get to your child, it does NOT matter who it is.  Angels come in all shapes and sizes and I am open to whomever God will use.  Reminds me of the two women in Solomon's court who both claimed to be a child's mother.  Solomon, in his wisdom, said to cut the child in two knowing the real mother would rather let her child go than see it hurt in anyway.  Lord, if Your angel happens to be my ex-husband, bring it on.  John 16:33 has already assured me that the victory is Yours, so whatever it takes is okay.  It wasn't long, however, before the shine began to wear off.