Veterans Day Fruit

Friday was a big day for me. A busy one, for sure, but one of blessing.
Nothing really noteworthy was planned for the day, just a lot of errands to run which becomes especially difficult with four children in tow.
We started the day by cleaning up the house a little and then the kids played outside while I organized some paperwork and the itinerary for the day. We loaded up the car and headed out with 8 things on the to-do list. First we went to the mailbox and then we got gas; these were easy. Next came Target, Ross, and JCPennys, looking for Christmas program dresses for the girls. Then came a quick trip to the thrift store (50% off day) to see if there were any deals we couldn't leave without. We left with our first find for Lowell's Christmas presents.
These few outings would not have been so difficult on a normal day, but I didn't remember that Veterans Day equals big sales in the stores... Everywhere was packed but, on the bright side, we ended up getting 60% off at JCPennys on the dresses the girls finally fell in love with. And, as a bonus, Nathan got a Star Wars shirt on clearance at Target. Everyone was happy. Everyone, that is, except me.
By stop number 7, I was tired and grouchy. I didn't want to get in and out of the car anymore or pack Wyatt in and out of the stores or fight the battle between the skinny ailes and the fat shopping carts, and I was bummed because when we went to Michaels (to get another small part of Lowell's Christmas bounty) I learned that my coupon wasn't effective yet -- I had to wait until Sunday to get the good deal.
And all this before stop #8 - Walmart, where we still had to do all the shopping for the week, complete with couponing and price matching. Walking up to the store, my brain was fried and I was about to throw in the towel when Nathan asked me a question.
"Are you weary and burdened, Mama?"
From his phrasing, I knew exactly where he was heading and I broke out into a smile. "Yes I am, Buddy. Why do you ask?"
"Because Jesus can give you rest, Mom."
Brings tears to my eyes even now.
"You are exactly right, Baby. And that's exactly why we are memorizing scripture - so that, in these moments, we are reminded of how much God loves us."
I am so thankful that God used my son to speak truth into my life and I'm so happy that my kids are hiding God's word in their hearts, and, as we're promised, it is not returning void. It is so important to me that my babies know and love God's Word and I was so encouraged standing in that parking lot. I hope they were able to see a practical application of the words they are learning and I'm so pleased that all the work I'm putting into teaching them these verses is producing fruit. They are getting it. Praise God.
The day was long and we were all weary by the end of it, but thankfully, we knew where we could go to find rest.

"Come to Me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:28-29 NIV