The Long Way Around!

This past week-end I was in Greensboro, NC helping at a Children's Ministry Conference.  After meeting the leadership team for dinner, it was time to find my hotel.  When I walked out of the restaurant I was looking at a Courtyard- Marriott in the same parking lot.  I knew I was staying at a Marriott, but I remembered something about an airport one.  I even said to my friends, "Too bad I am not staying at this Hotel."  After receiving directions from the locals my girlfriend & I took off to find our hotel.  It was a beautiful night so I put the top down on the car, we had a great CD playing- we were enjoying ourselves.   Strangest thing- we kept passing the airport but could not find our Hotel!  I had pulled up Mapquest directions before I left Charlotte- So we finally decided to  stop and dig them out from the bottom of several files in the backseat.   As we began to carefully follow the directions we eventually ended right back where we started!  We laughed & laughed.  It took us 30 minutes to make that trip across the parking lot!  What did I learn?  Well... First:  I had the right directions I just didn't use them.  Isn't that a lot like life? Often we have the tools we need to make proper decisions, including God's word, and we simply think we can do it on our own.  Finally,  we get so baffled that we decide to dig in and figure out the right path.   Second:  Don't trust the locals!  Not all advise is good advise (especially if you are asking the wrong questions!)   Third: Sometimes life doesn't take the shortest path- put the top down and try to enjoy the ride anyway!  

Sure I'm Optimistic!

"Who is more optimistic you or me?" Greg asked at the kitchen table today.  Well of course I am, we both agreed- then.... we sat down to watch the Panther game.  I love watching the Panthers on Sundays, but oh how they frustrate me! I was so excited as we had been winning most of the game then they let the Chargers score. I fussed & ranted,  no optimism from me. "They were going to blow this game in the final minutes!"   Greg kept saying, they can still win (Mr Optimistic!) I said, "your crazy!"  just seconds on the clock & and they waisted time- how frustrating- however they were able to get off one final play with 2 seconds and don't you know it Jake threw a touchdown pass to win the game! See 'I told you they could win- Greg laughed!" Guess I wasn't as optimistic as I thought! And He certainly was not pestimistic!  even after 30+ years of knowing each other I laughed thinking how we got it mixed up today.  I'm glad things are not always predictable. Isn't it amazing how easy is is to laugh at yourself (especially when your team wins!) Life sure is fun!

Pastor AJ!

This week-end we will load up a U-haul and move our Son  hundreds of miles into an apartment in Georgia.  It is all so bittersweet- yes the cliches do apply- I guess that is why they became cliches, " How fast the years of active parenting went!!"  I reflect tonight on a significant night many years ago while I was expecting AJ- A pastor was staying with us from Sri- Lanka, after a Bible study in our home about 10 of us were all praying in the living room and as we did, this anointed man of God began praying over our unborn baby boy- declaring  a strong character and a calling to full time ministry.  His words were very specific and powerful. My heart leapt, as I felt the Holy Spirit speak to me to remember this day.  I always did.  However, Greg & I kept this to ourselves - knowing our child would have to figure that out someday for himself.  As a teen and beyond, several career choices were discussed & encouraged- ANYTHING but ministry I would hear him say.  So when he came home from college his sophomore year and sat his father & I down to explain he  was changing  his major to Pastoral Studies & Church Ministry- thinking we would be shocked!  My husband and I just smiled & actually laughed (in private of course)  It never surprised us.  In my heart I always knew.  I marked that day- before he was born.  I shared that event with him, it was just one of many confirmations that spoke to him.  This past Sunday, 23 years after that prayer night... Pastor AJ began his "official" ministry at 1st Assembly of God in Rome, GA.   I am so awed and amazed.  Thank you God!