Expect God: On A Day Like Today

The words from the song lingered on my mind, “Today is all we ever have…”
Thank you, Lord, for loving me and helping me see my unique mark on this world. I know each day is all we ever have, and to live each day as an opportunity to do your will is a beautiful mission.

6:05 a.m. A mission like this takes a prayerful mindset. A word, a scripture reading, an entire gospel, a meditation, gets the juices of grace flowing. Expectancy was a word I pulled from my multi-colored zippered pouch containing my Angel Cards, I would carry it in my heart the entire day. What was I expecting from God today?

7:15 a.m. I went to my closet and chose between colors to fit my mood. I glanced over my husband’s clothes, sandwiched like close pals, next to mine. My prayer went out as I wrapped his favorite shirt around me to keep me warm, knowing he was asleep in a different time zone, in a different country altogether. I prayed, and expected God to give him loving warmth and rest for his journey.

7:25 a.m. My daughter had a near-fainting episode earlier the same morning, sending adrenaline racing to the forefront of my day. Think ahead, assess the moment, respond accurately, recover…Expect God to be with us and guide us through the steps.

9:00 a.m. I sat in the dentist chair, one hour scheduled months ago, debated and questioned in my mind to find the point in keeping the appointment on a day like today. One part of my brain was victor over the others and I kept the date. The conversation with the young hygienist…the encouraging words I was able to offer…the beautiful connection with old friends in the office, were opened gifts as I expected God’s presence in our exchanges.

10:15 a.m. I picked up Hannah from school early to see Nurse Alice, to ‘report in’ and get ‘checked out’; relieved to have had a moment to take care of myself, and now, to take care of my daughter. Hannah’s juice exploded onto her glasses as she took a drink in the backseat of my car, covering her face and hair with liquid. Who would have thought laughter would release so perfectly, as we allowed ourselves to run with the opportunity?

11:05 a.m. Arriving late to an appointment, but smelling clean from the shower, Hannah skipped into the office. Nurse Alice listened to everything spoken. She offered reassurance of correct measures, validation, and counsel…all God’s comfort and direction through people around us. Her loving hug wrapped around me sharing friendship and support. Expect Christ in people you meet.

12:30 p.m. Hannah repeated her lunch hour request to visit Sue and Rick at La Vera Pizza until I agreed. “Too far away from the doctor’s office, too hungry; that’s too bad mom,” Her determined stance was met with my compliance. We both needed a break to sit together and refresh, reenergize. What did I expect? God’s purpose is in everything; in personal time with my daughter, cozy on the same side of the booth. Warm rolls and hot soup satisfied hunger, but God gives more than we expect.
Rick sat down with us, across the table sharing his experience from his Cursillo weekend. Hannah’s card meant so much to him. Was I surprised to hear all of the ways God used Rick, or the beauty he saw as God worked through the hearts of men on a weekend retreat? What would I expect from a God so full of love, desiring each son to ultimately know His presence in their hearts? How would I know our conversation would lift me, carry me through the rest of my day with wonder and peace?

4:30 p.m. I should have expected the emotions to build as I opened the email and poured my heart out in a response to my teacher from the MH Conference, who inspired a new directional path. God expected the overflow couldn’t be contained. His grace and mercy throughout the day were much, too much, for one person to hold. The tears flowed profusely, cleansing and refreshing; joy so complete. Expecting to flow to others and shine His light.
“The good shepherd gives his life for his sheep.” (John 10:11) Now, you know you can expect more love than you can handle from a God like that.