My OBGYN physician is the number one in the field in Huntsville, Alabama. What are the chances that my daughter and I would have appointments for check-ups on the very same day, let alone back to back (one hour apart), without one of us ever knowing that the other had made an appointment. What in the world?
So, I told Glenn that she would be back to our neighborhood a few minutes after I had to leave home, since my appointment was one hour later than hers and he was happy to keep the kids till she could get back—just a few minutes. By the time I got to the doctor’s office, I was pretty sure Hannah was on her way home to the children. I ran into that office. It had been a hectic day. The evening before, at VBS, I had left my phone on a charger in the auditorium of the church building. On top of that, I had gotten locked out of the registration process for my doctor’s appointment, because I couldn’t find my password. On top of that, my husband had gotten me a temporary healthcare plan for a short time until all the benefits of old age kick in (I’m willing to wait for those.) I do not have an insurance card yet, but I had even left the policy info at home. And did I mention I had no phone?!
Realizing that I was likely not even going to get to see this doctor today, I frantically began trying to contact Glenn using my laptop. I hoped he would check facebook or that my SMS text would make it to him.
While I was sitting on the edge of my seat doing this seemingly fruitless exercise, I ran across a group text message that included my husband. And the last entry in this group was from my daughter, Hannah. It said something to this effect: “I’m just sitting here in this waiting room just across from Mom. I wonder how long it is going to take her to realize I am here. This is entertaining.”
I lifted my head a little and turned it slightly to the left and there she was, shaking with laughter; her poor mother over there losing her mind (not to mention phone, insurance card and place in line at the doctor.) By now it had been so long that Glenn was wanting to know what else, besides that one lone can of Beef-a-Roni, was for lunch for the four of them. But his wonderings were not being transmitted to me.) She’d been laughing for ten minutes.
“You get over here with that phone. What are you doing over there laughing at me?”
And so she did. I guess our top-notch OBGYN had some deliveries to make this morning, because, Hannah and I got called in, both very late, but almost exactly at the same time. She left the phone with me and we came out at the same time, so I could easily return it.
I believe in Providence. I know I cannot ascertain exactly when and how He is providentially working in my life. But I do know that, for the past ten years, it has been an extremely rare occurrence that this daughter and I have had any opportunity to do lunch (or any meal or even any snack) by ourselves…just the two of us. SO I asked her, just off the cuff, if she could go to lunch with me. “Well, I think that’d be up to Dad.”
I called Glenn and I must admit, he said “Ummm….let’s see…” He asked a few logistical questions about nap time and then readily agreed. I can tell you….Never have we needed to have a quiet conversation more than we did today at lunch.
Providence even in the little things? We had doctor appointments on the same day and they ended up being at the same time, facilitated by the timely births of babies. The phone I desperately needed was, embarrassingly enough, right there in the room with me. It was nap time for the younger children. And we got to go to lunch! It was such a quiet and peaceful chicken salad. (I didn’t even get any phone calls and Hannah only got one. Some things are great about not having a phone!) We didn’t solve the problems of the world, but we did pray about them. I don’t know, but I think God provided this desperately needed little solace for us. He is good, even in the little details!
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.” (Matt. 10:29–30)
The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. (Prov. 16:33)
The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. (Prov. 16:9)