GOD USES EACH OF US TO COMPLETE HIS PLAN

 

April 18, 2011 another busy day on God’s Cozy Acres, but I had to leave for a dentist appointment and a visit to the post office; my conversation on the way home, to myself, was about so much to do and where to start-- garden, sorting give always or work on the deck screen project. I had a pile of cloths in the big kitchen at the retreat center and they needed to be taken to Madisonville to Branches, a wonderful charitable organization started by a woman who saw a need, but I really didn’t want to leave the farm again, so much to do. Then the voice in my heart said I must go now, how interesting, I loaded up the cloths, called the dog to ride along; which is never a problem, and we were on our way. It is a lovely ride and it was a favorite direction to the mountains for us, in the past; so this was a worth wild venture for my own soul. They always bring joy to my heart looking their blue outline on the horizon as I head towards my destination. It doesn’t hurt so much going this way now-- I have placed those memories in the fond low ache section of my heart --where the tugs are normal.

Well, we arrive at Branches and I find my parking site in this little town; just down the street from my destination across from Donnas’ café—another memory from Sundays past now tugs at my heart, but it’s ok; it’s normal now.  A warm welcome with a hug from Joyce as we greet and quickly catch up since our last meeting- her church- my first speaking engagement April 3, 2011—who could forget! “I want you to meet the girls in the prayer group” Joyce said, knowing I could use all the extra prayers out there. Just a few more moments of catch up and prayers were done, the young lady who knew the need and started Branches of Madisonville came into the main lobby and greeted me and asked how I was, my usual reply “ I’m wonderful” because I truly am!

Joyce urged me into the next room and introduced me to the two girls Barbara and Cheri. “I wanted you to meet Maryanne, “Joyce said and urged me to tell my story.  I started as usual with my knowing that God has a plan for each of us before we are born and I can see things from my past that were not all pleasant but would enable me to say, “I have walked in those shoes and I understand.” To that I added that my husband had driven his John Deere Tractor to heaven April 29, 2009. Carol said, “Oh that was in a magazine, I remember reading that!” no Barbara said, it was in a news paper, I remember reading that.” I don’t think so,” I said. Then Joyce said, “I gave you girls Maryanne’s article; left with me when she spoke at my church.” Cheri and Barbara chimed together in agreement. I passed Barbara my card with a picture of the farm on one side and she looked at me and said, “Oh my we need this!”

Barbara repeated happenings from church just the day before, Palm Sunday, a stranger in the pew, the only area open to sit right then was next to her, the church singer who sang Amazing Grace- the tears that flowed from the eyes of the stranger followed by an apology for crying. The explanation from the new widow, her husbands passing ended with the last words of Amazing Grace on the radio. Amazing Grace was not to be performed Sunday; but the singer had a message sent to his heart at 10:00 PM Saturday night that he should sing that song on Sunday.

We all play a part in God’s plan, sometimes we see it sometimes we just ignore it as we take up with things we find more important in life, “US”!  I knew I had to meet this widow at lunch Tuesday and Barbara felt it was a good thing too.  We all become the pebble in the pond and the ripples keep rolling out further and further touching the entire pond of life and everyone in it.

With God all things are possible! I really don’t know what I will say tomorrow but I do know I understand her pain and I want to let her know she is not alone, as I am not alone, we have God with us!

What a blessing to share the Grace of our Lord!