When Life Happens

Several months ago I agreed to be part of a Gospel Meeting in Bardwell, Texas. This was the church that let me preach during college and also where Pops and Granny attended. We decided on this date because my brother was going to be out of the country and needed someone to stay at his house. Our plans were to go and to have a mini-vacation at bubba Jack's. My kids could swim, shop, and enjoy the metroplex area. Well Hailey was the first to bail out. "Daddy, I have softball practice and I do not need to miss any more." Lori then told me that Heather had an Orthodontist appointment and needed to keep it because school is about to start. Lori also had a schedule conflict.

I made the trip to Dallas alone on Saturday. When I arrived at my mom's it didn't take long to notice how sick she was. When she said she wasn't planning on going to church on Sunday I knew I had to get her to the, "Doc in the box." She agreed but called them first to see if they would take her insurance. They did, so we went. Quick Care is the place to be on a Sat. night. Mom was able to see the doctor and also was given a prescription. We went to the 24 hour pharmacy where mom asked, "Do you take my insurance?" Can you believe that? She could be vomiting blood and we would have to go somewhere else if they didn't give her the discount. (My kids don't think twice about spending money - my parents squeeze every penny.) However, that is a different article to write.

I made it to the church and was going over my notes for class. Then I realized that I wasn't even teaching class. All the nervousness for nothing! Earl always teaches the adults even during the meetings. He did a good job. After service, a lady I have known for 25 years proceeded to tell me how old I look. She meant it in a nice way.

Monday night Mom was able to go to church. We had a good crowd and the people were happy. After service I noticed I had a voice mail from Lori. One of the kids had fallen and broken their arm. I immediately thought of Hailey and her softball. Then I thought of Heather and our trampoline. No! It was Caleb. And Lori was at the hospital with him.

Plans are nice but things seldom go exactly the way we plan. Life somehow always gets in the way. Life is like a rollercoaster; highs, lows, turns, and sometimes a little scary. We are not immune to difficulty. However, we do not face difficulty without hope. And besides, I still have two more nights to tell the greatest story ever told. That is why it is called a Gospel Meeting!

July 18, 2007