Gathering on His Schedule
In two previous posts I’ve written about our friend Steve’s visit and events leading up to that visit.
As his time in our home drew to a close, my husband Rich’s daughter made plans to visit for the weekend. She expected to arrive on Friday. We were pleased, as we had hoped that she would have a chance to meet our new friend. She had recently discussed with us some significant life choices she faced and we wanted her to have the benefit of his perspective.
Rich and I had volunteered to serve with the baptism ministry at the baptisms that were planned for the final day of Steve’s conference. Rich invited his daughter to meet us at the church that Friday. Her plans were still hazy.
Friday I hurried from my office to get to church in time to assist with the baptisms. I asked Rich, who met me there, if he’d heard from his daughter. He had not, so he phoned her. She was still at her office, over an hour’s drive away. She advised him that she had plans with her friends and didn’t expect to arrive at our home until after we were sleeping.
If she arrived late at night she wouldn’t have time to meet Steve, as he was leaving to fly home early on Saturday. We wanted her to meet our friend and she wouldn’t get to the house in time.
My disappointment waned as we assisted with the baptism of over 60 conference attendees who had chosen that occasion to profess their faith in Christ. I find, in general, that it’s tough to hang on to any bad feelings at the baptismal pool!
After the baptisms had been conducted, Steve, Rich and I joined in worship in the sanctuary, then headed for home. Steve had been at the conference all day. I had driven there straight from work. As we each had our own car there, we were each alone as we made our way home.
I reflected on the baptisms and the worship service as I drove towards home.
Halfway through the drive home, it came on my heart: “She will be there.”
As I drove down the street that led to our home, I saw her car parked in our driveway.
The four of us enjoyed a wonderful visit before she left to meet her friends. Steve spoke insightfully to her life circumstances. Saturday morning, she rose early to share breakfast with us before Steve left for the airport.
3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding
yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as
you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. 5 There is one Lord,
one faith, one baptism, 6 and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and
living through all.
Ephesians 4:3-6 (NLT)
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