July 01

Consolation


... the morning stars sang ...

Job 38:7 (NLT)


Yesterday, my son Drew’s planned birthday celebration did not come off as I expected. In fact, I was rather disappointed. I got stuck at home when a huge avalanche closed the Cascades highway I would have traveled. The snowy roads had patches of black ice as well. They were hidden underneath their white blankets AND the schools closed ... leaving me at home with a couple of excited younger brothers. A new sled and the snow hill were waiting!

Though it was fun to see my younger boys romping through the snow, what I really wanted was to be with my eldest to celebrate his 20th birthday. My plan to deliver cards and presents on the other side of the mountains burnt like charred pumpernickel in my broken toaster.

I felt low but told God okay, I understood. He had control not me. I glumly acknowledged this then switched gears and started cleaning up and reorganizing my stuff. That’s when it happened.

I discovered and experienced something I hadn’t enjoyed in almost 6 years: my oldest son’s first UIL recording. It was Drew’s middle school choir CD—the one I took to the Saudi desert. There, in the heart of the Middle East, those sweet voices sang me to sleep every night for a year!

I quickly hustled it to my Bose sound system and soon the familiar words greeted me like an old friend.

“This is the Randolph Mixed, Non-varsity Choir directed by Mr. Lonnie Nielson. They will sing Hodie ... All Through the Night ... and Shoshone Love Song, arranged by Emerson.”

The old grand piano started up and smoothly introduced the young choir’s clear, bright sound. My eyes welled as the forgotten tunes came back to life, reaching deep into my soul....

Once again, I was sitting in the audience listening to the magic sounds of my son Drew, and, in that instant, disappointment turned into fresh joy.


Thank You, Father, for allowing missed experiences in one place and rediscovered dreams in another. Amen.