We spent several hours in the hospital with some friends last night. Their son was facing an unplanned appendectomy. There were many things said and done that were impressive. The level of excellence and care from Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital never ceases to amaze me.

However, there was a statement made that I can’t seem to get out of my mind. After a nurse explained some procedures and tests being done, the mother of the patient asked for an explanation of the purpose of the appendix. Without even a pause, the nurse confidently stated, “Oh, it’s just a product of evolution” and she walked out of the room.
Now, I have studied this some and realize there are no definitive answers as to the purpose of the little worm-like appendage of the intestines. However, there are a lot of theories and ideas about it. Some make more sense than others. None of them make as little sense as her response did.

How is someone whose profession witnesses the miracle of life and the wonder of the human body every day able to believe in the theory of evolution? I’m baffled.

By the way, if you know the definitive answer to the purpose of the appendix, pass it on. I’d love to know! Oh, and our patient is doing well. I was inspired by his bravery in the face of the laparoscopic knife! Anderson-you are amazing!

Do you ever feel like you are having one of those days? Earlier this week, I had one and I’m just getting over it. My mother found the following and sent it to me. I guess she wanted me to realize I had company on these days! I’ve added one to the end of the list that gives a glimpse of this day so far.

What would you add to the list?

Murphy’s Laws for Parents

The tennis shoes you must replace today will go on sale next week.

The busiest day of your week is the one your child will pick to leave the lunch box in the car.

How are you doing with this exercise I introduced a few weeks ago? Don’t be discouraged if you haven’t been consistent or haven’t even started. You can start today. Pray these biblical virtues for your kids and wait on the Lord to show you amazing things!

A servant’s heart–God, help my children develop a servant’s heart. Teach them to serve wholeheartedly, as if they were serving You and not men. (Ephesians 6:7)

Peace-loving–Lord, let my children make every effort to do what leads to peace. (Romans 14:19)

A Heart for Missions–Lord, please help my children develop a desire to see your glory declared among the nations, your marvelous deeds among all peoples. (Psalm 96:3)

Warning: I am about to hop up onto a soapbox for a little bit. Stop reading now if you don’t want to be sloshed with the suds!

This morning as I was leaving the elementary school parking lot, I saw something that made me want to scream! A mother had parked her car off to the side (in a spot not to be used as parking–another blog on another day) and was helping her daughter adjust her skirt before they walked to the school entrance. This is a good thing, right? WRONG!!!

She was helping her daughter adjust it to be shorter than the girl wanted it. I watched as the mother repeatedly adjusted the skirt to be as short as the “fingertip rule” would allow. The little girl pulled it down repeatedly to a more comfortable (and more modest) length, only to be fussed at and corrected. It was hard to watch.
It reminded me of another time when while shopping with my youngest daughter. We witnessed a mother correct her little girl (not more than 6 or 7 years of age) who had pulled her shirt down farther than her mother wanted her to.
“Sweetie, your tummy doesn’t show when you pull it down like that. It’s cuter this way,” she said as she shimmied the shirt up the little torso a bit–and actually folded it under a bit to ensure a bare belly.
This kind of thinking and teaching is wrong on several levels! Girls need to be taught modesty, and how to be in style within the bounds of modesty. I know some moms of boys who would appreciate more of that teaching! Can I get an AMEN?

It’s only a few hours into the day, and I find myself totally affected by the massive impact of little things.

* A sparrow enjoyed a morsel of bread on my deck and I forgot to be annoyed by waking up fifteen minutes late.
* A toddler waved excitedly to me as I pulled up next to his mother’s van at a red light and I forgot about the frustration of paying so much for gas a few minutes earlier.
* A yellow post-it note with encouragement from my husband greeted me when I sat at my desk and I forgot about stubbing my toe as I entered the building.
* A cold Diet Pepsi (so cold it had ice crystals in it) was so refreshing it washed away the reality of allergies and a sore throat for a few minutes.

I can’t help but thank God for these little things in my life that have made a big difference in the start of my day!

Can you think of a little thing that has made a big difference for you today? Let’s keep the list growing.