Children do not realize how they can bring parents to their knees. Well—maybe the grown-up ones know.
This has been an emotional week, triggered by our youngest. The text message read: “I’m in a bad place right now and need to talk with you & Dad. But my schedule is full until Thursday, can we meet then for dinner?”
My heart sank. A momma never wants her child to hurt. What could it be? The unthinkable crossed my mind, only maybe she got fired from her job. Then what? There was nothing I or her dad could do but wait it out.
A week went by until our dinner date.
Wednesday night arrived and was told she is on her way here now. What was so urgent that could not wait one more day for us to resolve? (I was proud of myself for not voicing my what- ifs to Dave. He would only counteract them with platitudes.)
Upon arrival, in she walked with her out-of-state brother! Oh no. Things were so bad she had to call upon him to set things right?
As the truth comes out, nothing was wrong. Jamie was here on business and made a point of visiting us. The two of them, correction, three, Dave was in on this surprise too. Tears of joy flowed. Our times together are few and far between.
The evening at the restaurant we were chatting it up. People passed by to be seated but we paid no mind—until a figure out of the corner of my eye stopped at our table. Cindy! Our out-of-state daughter, traveled to join us for dinner. More tears flowed.
Four states of the Union were represented. A rare and precious time was had by all. After dinner we gathered at home, where more laughter and tears reigned. Families that live close by miss out on the thrill of the surprise. Just as Jesus would have it, we were united in spirit.
We reveled in the joy as past memories came to the forefront. In so doing, we made an additional memory. I’ve made a personal decision that has yet to be announced. We can make this an annual event.
It’s not easy for me to say that because of the miles between us. But the degree of love we share does not know distance—we just pick up where we left off the last time we were together. Ditto for the love Jesus has for us. He is capable of pulling off a few surprises too.
One Day Wonders with JBK 