So much has happened…I have moved into my new house…they moved me while I was in Florida for the premier of Fear Not Tomorrow, the Worship Experience at Disney World. I left them unpacking as I left for vacation. On the way, I stopped to visit my father who seemed very tired and weak. That same afternoon he had a visitor who stayed 2 hours so he was worn out. He was a dear and fully present – just very tired.
The day I left Disney World, I was having breakfast by myself and noticed a family at a table next to me. The mother was agitated and being rough with her little girl – yelling, grabbing, pulling at her all the while on the phone. I glared at her. The little girl stuck her thumb in her mouth and went to cuddle under her father’s arm. My heart ached for the child. When the mother was off the phone I approached her and said that she seemed distressed and asked if there was anything I could do. She told me that their home in central Pennsylvania was being flooded – this was the first vacation they had in 6 years and now their home was flooded. She was weeping; my heart ached for her. (how our attitude changes when our perspective changes – I had judged on the surface!) I happened to remember that I had a copy of Fear Not Tomorrow in my suitcase…I gave it to her and told her that I was sure she was overloaded but just to hear the title: Fear Not Tomorrow God is Already There. Hang onto that. She thanked me and I left but have thought of them and prayed for them often.
I have had 2 weeks at the beach. Last week we had great weather and 4 of my grandchildren were here – so much fun. They loved the water and the 1-year-old thought the beach was just one big sand box for him. He had sand everywhere! They left last Friday to get back in time for an Earth, Wind and Fire concert. On Saturday I spoke twice in Myrtle Beach – such dear ladies….I left there immediately to drive the 2.5 hours to Charleston to attend my dear friend’s son’s wedding. It was lovely. I got home by midnight…long day. The next day the mother of the groom came to spend the night and we had fun reliving the wedding.
As she left, I went to the airport to pick up a friend from Maryland who stayed with me until today. We had so much fun…talking, shopping (finding great bargains), eating fresh seafood and since it has been cool and rainy did not get on the beach except one time.
I will clean and pack up tomorrow…and leave for home Saturday in time to join my kids for fondue as a birthday dinner for my 8 year old granddaughter. Hard to believe – time has gone so fast.
I am eager to get home and begin to put things away and get settled into my new home. On Tuesday I leave for Illinois to speak…
The day I drove down to the beach was the day we commemorated 9/11. I stopped to attend church in Spartanburg with my special friends, Jane and Larry Bateman. Their pastor called us all to the altar to get on our faces and pray for this country. It was quite moving…and an appropriate way to remember the ones we lost, those who grieve, still serve and those who lead our nation. We must “humble ourselves and pray, seek God’s face …” Especially as we anticipate new elections and the political season…pray, pray, pray. I am so grateful to know God is on the throne and “He sets up one and puts down another”. He is in control and He is trustworthy. We need not fear tomorrow, He is already there.
This is a truth I have to remind myself of every day as I face uncertainty.
