Thursday, March 29, 2007

God's Interruptions

When life goes along its merry way and the routine of the day becomes natural and mundane, God has a way of "waking" you up to some unexpected surprises to let you know He is in control and not us.

Dick had an appointment with his retina specialist on Monday in Oahu just to have his eyes checked to make sure they were healthy enough to last through our six months' trip back to West Virginia this summer. I decided to go along and visit with our son and his family to help to celebrate our youngest grandson's birthday which will be coming up soon. We also arranged to meet very dear friends who are missionaries in China and were in Oahu for two weeks to catch up on personal items before heading back to China to the mission field. The one day trip was loosely planned and quite a spontaneous decision. We packed for only a one night's stay.

God had other plans. When Dick visited his eye doctor on Monday, the doctor was very concerned about Dick's left eye and felt it needed immediate surgery. The surgery was set up for Tuesday at noon and then a follow-up visit back to the doctor on Wednesday morning. Rich and his family were very gracious to allow us to stay another couple of days with them, even though their schedule was pretty packed for those two days. We are now back on Maui, but as I look back on the unplanned interruption, I see so many blessings from God that we are so grateful for.

First of all, the doctor told Dick that he caught the problem in the eye before dire consequences occurred. If it had been allowed to deteriorate further, Dick would have lost his eye. We are so grateful for the extended amount of time that he has to hopefully keep his eye intact. Secondly, I was able to spend two days with my dear grandsons, instead of the one day. They were so full of energy and had friends over to visit with them and it was a joy to see them enjoying the time off from school, the chance to do what they wanted to do without restrictions, and see them interact with their fellow classmates in an atmosphere apart from the routine of school. It was a chance for me to see their different personalities shine. Bryan is very much of the scientific mindset, enjoying his rock collections, loving to explore and enjoy God's natural creation. Bradley is very musical, loving to listen to his little Christian praise songs, and has such a beautiful voice for an 8 year old as he sings along with each song knowing the exact words to them all!!! He has a very sensitive nature and a sharp sense of what is happening around him. It was really good to get to sit and visit with Emily, too, and watch her with her beading projects making lovely necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and lanyards.

We can look back and thank God for the unexpected interruption and see the blessings God had in it for us.

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." (Proverbs 19:21)

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." (Proverbs 16:9)

God orders the steps and stops of man! May the steps and stops he orders for you be all for His honor and glory!
Sandy

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