7 Jesus replied, “It isn’t for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has set by his own authority. 8 Rather, you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Reflection
Since becoming a parent, I have learned that things almost never go according to plan, but once in a while, things turn out just right.
A great example of this is back in April for the solar eclipse. My parents and sister live in Littleton, NH which was literally minutes away from totality, so of course we were all going to try to see it together. At first, we were going to go to one place, then Mom’s friends were joining. Then my sister was going to a different place, and we would tag along with her. Then my in-laws, Mike and Heidi, were tagging along too, so we were going to go to a different place. The plan kept changing and, as the day got closer, my anxiety grew.
The day of, nice and early, we packed our things and I reminded myself, “What will be, will be, and that will be fine.” I was taking deep breaths and trying to be cool.
The day was off to a great start; The drive was normal, the parking lot was mostly empty, the girls could play with other kids, and the weather was perfect! Then Mike and Heidi arrived, with so much time to spare! As we waited for my sister and her family, I put a lawn chair in the parking spot next to us and to my lovely surprise my parents arrived to take that spot! My sister parked at her friend’s house down the street, and walked to meet all of us.
We all made it to hang out, play, and enjoy more than a minute of totality all together! It was amazing! Even for the drive home, we all made it back to my parents house in less than an hour to enjoy a delicious dinner together. It turned out to be the perfect day! It was a win I didn’t know that I needed so desperately. I don’t pretend to know what God and the Spirit have in mind for me. As anxious as I can be, I try really hard to embrace the spirit and let it fill my needs. On April 8th, it was not my place to know, but in the end I was embraced and blessed by the Spirit and my spirit was rejuvenated.
by Ashley Bowler
For Pondering and Prayer
When has your life been guided by the Spirit against your plans? Whether that moment was good or bad, did you feel changed or learn something from the experience?
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Spirit, it’s Your breath that guides our lives, like the breeze blows a dandelion seed. Some moments feel gusty and turbulent, others feel gentle and warm. Like the seed, we are small and unknowing, but like the great winds, you seem to know where you’re taking us. Allow us grace as we ride the breeze, remind us of your love with the warmth of sunshine. Amen.
Amen.
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