Being open to the unexpected

You know when you think you are doing one thing, but your schedule turns into something totally different?

That has been my afternoon.

I left the office, not 100% sure if I would stop at Siskins for a visit. En route I learned that my guests wouldn't be over tonight, so I decided to go ahead and stop. I signed in not long after someone else had so I got to visit with two people.

I picked up the teenager from band practice and learned that any high school band players were welcome at tonight's middle school game. I said yes, as long as homework got done first. Today's homework was to work on a science project due next week. The project is being done in stages.

While the project was being worked on, I colored. Yes, colored.  I haven't had (made) time to color in a few months now. Last night I received a handful of really cool coloring sheets. So today I took a moment to start the one on top.

I didn't get lots done, but it was a start. Water is one of my chill places, so this was perfect for a little down time. As I finished (had to stop), the lyrics to a song came to mind: 'waves of mercy, waves of grace'.

Stage two complete on the project. Back to the school area. I hung around with the band for a few moments. It made my heart happy to see the middle schoolers warming up along with about ten high schoolers who came out for support.  Truth be known, I am a band geek. One of their songs is also from my era: "We will rock you".

As I left the school premises, I headed to a coffee shop for a half priced drink and to do some sermon tweaking. But on the way, I saw a car with the trunk and hood open and a woman pouring water over the engine.

I stopped. I had no clue what I might do. And I told her so. I told her I don't know music about cars, but was there anything I could do to help? She told me her car had overheated, that she was supposed to get a new thermostat tomorrow, that she had come all the way to work at these apartments, but wasn't needed tonight, and now her car wouldn't start. I ended up jumping her car off with mine. In that process I learned where the latches are on the Ford Escape (first time I have had to open it) and that the battery is covered and slightly difficult to get to.

Important lessons learned.

As I drink my coffee, enjoy the warm breeze, and contemplate this day, there are waves of mercy and grace. I have seen the Creator God's face in many places, situations, and people today.

As the sun is setting on this day, I am grateful for waves of mercy and waves of grace.

Things may not have happened as I expected, yet as I remained open and present, I was able to live into each moment.

May I continue to be open to the moving and the Presence of the Holy Spirit. May it be so with you.

Blessings on your journey,

Debra