Six and a half hours of driving in the wrong direction.  North instead of south.  That’s what two of my cousins did to deliver a precious-to-me cargo.  They had been visiting another of our cousins when she offered to give up some of the keepsake furniture from our grandmother.  They knew I’d like to have some of Grandmother’s things so they decided to bring them to me.  They could have just headed for home, but instead, they went the opposite direction of their route home and brought me some of our grandmother’s furniture for our new house.  Unexpectedly, willingly, with smiles on their tired faces.  They even waved jauntily as they left our place after their delivery, headed on their two-day journey home which had become much longer after detouring to our house.

Why would three of my cousins conspire to make me happy?  I was humbled, a little embarrassed at their sacrifice and very touched.  I was surprised at the emotion that jumped into my throat and eyes as I saw the familiar bench and mirror from my grandmother’s house where I had lived as a child.  Whew!  I hadn’t anticipated a strong reaction to these reminders of the past.  I was transported in a millisecond to my grandmother’s entry where the bench and mirror had been.  I had always sat there to take off my boots when I came inside on wet or snowy days.  She had always been there when I came in.  Now I felt her presence.  I saw her in her wheelchair.  So long away from this early home.  So far away.  I hadn’t  been able to go back since I left when I was sixteen.  So many homes since.  Even other women who filled the role of grandmother since.  But here was tangible evidence that I had roots.  I haven’t felt rooted most of my life.  Ten moves by college and another 25 or so (honestly, I’ve lost track) during married life have made me feel like a sojourner.  I rarely look back.  But these pieces demanded a look back.  I can’t decide if I’m happy about that.  I think I have to come to terms with a chaotic life and rest in the fact that God has been and still is in control.  He’s in control of my little life, this big world, and the huge universe.  Everything that came before and whatever lies ahead is in his kind hands.  Thank you, Jesus.

For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”  Hebrews 13:5

And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”  Jesus, Matthew 28:20

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”  Jesus, John 14:27

“May he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.”  Hebrews 13:21