Michele Howe - Big Feelings, Bigger God: Discovering Gods Care in Good Times and Bad

Luke studied the family calendar hanging next to the refrigerator in the kitchen. With a big grin, Luke was happily reminded that tomorrow he and his family would be leaving for their summer vacation. Their family cottage was in the northern part of the state.

I cant wait to get to the cottage. Luke thought to himself. Jason and I will be able to go fishing every morning. And then Dad will take us on the boat or tubing in the afternoons! Luke fondly remembered the previous summers when they vacationed up north.

When his mom walked in the room, Luke turned to her. I wish tomorrow was today, Mom!

And let me guess why... she answered with a knowing smile. Could it be that youre excited to see Jason again? Luke was about to answer his moms question when the phone rang. Mom reached to pick it up. Hello?... Yes.... Oh, yes! That will be perfect. Well expect you tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. Mom said with excitement.

Luke was puzzled to hear his mom agree to meet someone on the day they were leaving for vacation. That didnt make any sense. Mom, did you forget about what day tomorrow is? Luke said as he pointed to the calendar dates with all the big red Xs marked out for vacation.

Oh, Luke. Of course I didnt forget. But youll never guess who that was on the telephone. It was Sally from the adoption center! Your dad and I have been working with her this year. She has great news! We are going to adopt a little three-year-old boy. Isnt that wonderful? Weve waited for so long, Mom said with tears of happiness filling her eyes.

Luke nodded slowly and then said, But, what about our vacation?

Sniffing and wiping the tears from her eyes, Mom walked over to Luke and gave him a big hug. Oh, Luke, do you remember that we talked about this as a family two years ago? We knew that if a child became available for us to adopt, we might need to change our plans at that very last minute. No matter what those plans were. Do you remember? Mom asked gently.

Yes, but I never thought it would happen right before we were going on vacation. Couldnt we wait until we get back? Please? Luke said earnestly.

It doesnt work that way, Luke. And think about it, if you were a little boy who needed a home, would you want to wait even ONE more day to meet your new family? Let alone seven days? Mom explained.

No, youre right. And I am thankful about having a little brother. I am! Luke said truthfully. I just didnt think it would happen like this.

Well, I didnt either, Mom agreed. But its times like these that we have to trust in Gods bigger plan than our own. She gave Luke a long, warm hug.

Psalm 131

1. Lord , my heart is not proud;
   my eyes are not haughty.

   I dont concern myself with matters too great
   or too awesome for me to grasp.

2. Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself,
   like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mothers milk.
   Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me.
3. O Israel, put your hope in the Lord
   now and always.