Coincidence? By design...

I wrote an email few days ago... It was composed to an addressee whom I’ve never met. My email shared a brief story; I secretly hoped for a swift response. Perhaps a little information in return. I had bravely included my subtle query about a chance of our meeting and my phone number. Wednesday already; I checked email. No reply yet. ~ I gave the boys no options on church tonight. They were not so happy about that announcement! It would be their first time to a mid-week service at this church. I honestly can’t blame them for such hesitations – changing churches isn’t any easier for kids than grown ups. Well, at least as grown ups we understand why certain changes have to occur. Kids {mine anyway} are simply related to the reason for a change and now have to follow where they are led. This particular week I had made a commitment to go -- to church that is. I had a purpose and a plan; therefore, standing on principle I'm taking them to mid-week service. The drive to church tonight was shorter than on Sunday; less traffic, less frustration. That’s good – think of another positive. As I try to pretend I can’t hear them complaining in the back seat, I'm secretly praying God also is ignoring the ‘strong worded’ discussion the boys are having. Another stop sign, another intersection gives me a moment to pause; my thoughts are brief, but heavy. Am I parenting like a Sergeant today? I recall the evening events. A quick self-evaluation assures me that the answer to that is – NO! I didn’t scream, use profanity, or put them down; in fact, I didn’t even command them to go to church. Conversely, I simply stayed silent. I have learned that occasionally, if I wait long enough before speaking, a really wise statement forms, moves over my tongue and flies gracefully past my lips. Thus, when I heard their first arguments, I was quiet. I waited. Hmm. Nothing bright flashed across my brain. That brief silence was merely an opening for what I can only describe as a litany of rather skillfully, logical, well-articulated reasons why it would be “dumb” for them to go to church on a school night. Hmmm. plausibly I could only wait a or two moment longer without words. Oooh the numerous ‘not so wise’ things were making their way over my tongue toward the front of my mouth. When without warning I was startled by the sound of calm, pleasant confidence as I heard myself voice these words: “Well guys, when you’re 18 you’re welcome to decide where to drive yourself on a Wednesday night; until then, I handle the calendar; and my car will be leaving for church in 10 minutes.” Now, I realize (unsuccessfully ignoring the back seat commentators) they are rudely blaming "someone" for and discussing the details of how much unhappiness this event is bringing to their lives. I’m grateful this light is green and I can swiftly turn into the lot and park the car. ~ The walk into the building goes well - they are distracted by the Hot Wheels they brought (just in case). Each inquires as to whether classes are available or will he be ‘stuck’ sitting with me. As if that would be an option that brings me *joy* right now. Ugh. I pull it together as I am handed a flyer and pleasantly welcomed by a chipper greeter (clearly her kids are grown and she didn’t force anyone to join her tonight). I inquired about classes for the boys; to my chagrin, she shares that there are only middle school and high school classes tonight. Ohh no! No, no, no – this is not possible!! I am simply unable to believe such a thing. Will you please direct me to someone who knows for sure? I manage to temporarily maintain my resolve. Certain to not even make eye-contact with my boys. She steps away as I convince uh… remind myself that “all things work together for good.” Breathe! My migraine from earlier threatens and throbs at the base of my neck and behind my eyes. Grrrr. ~ Wait; what’s that I heard her say? who? My ears are now carefully tuning into her conversation with a tall, causally dressed, confident young guy. Did I hear her right? I step closer, proceeding to join their discussion. Nice. She is courteous and offers introductions. As I shake his hand I say my name, followed by… “I emailed you a couple days ago; these are my boys. I'm glad to meet you.” ~ Gratefully, I watch this guy, whom I've just met; engage the trust of my boys in seconds. *sigh* I breathe again. I hear him 5 feet ahead of me assuring them that tonight they will have a blast; then he guides them to the appropriate room. ~ Turns out… afterward the boys beg for this to be an every Wednesday night event – hmmm? No litany of dumb reasons for them to stay home comes to mind. So I agree they can add it to our calendar; I chuckle as I say… “but I’d better drive.” ~ There is no such thing as coincidence for me. Thank you very much! God designed this moment for my life. Peace reigns.

HonuGirl