A Goldilocks Life

Refreshed and Ready

We’re back from our Amish Country Tour in Pennsylvania with the Down East Boys and the Hyssongs, and one word describes how I feel: refreshed. Each site visited on the tour offered something unique and memorable. More than a hundred people who love the Lord Jesus toured with us, and we connected with many of them.

One example was the buggy ride through Amish country with people from the tour. On our buggy was a son with his mom and dad and a daughter with her mom, and the son and daughter had special needs like our son, Ray. Though they didn’t talk a lot with one another, I could sense they felt comfortable together, and we parents could relate well because of this awesome and challenging commonality. I sensed the Lord brought us together. The driver of the buggy gave a thorough tour as we passed large, fresh family farms and green rolling hills as he shared his experience of growing up Amish but choosing to leave that life. He still has good relationships with his family.

Another highlight was the meal we were all served by an Amish family in the loft of their huge barn loft. There was boneless chicken, delicious corn freshly off the cob, and homemade bread and Amish peanut butter. The Amish children served the meal as the mom and aunt oversaw them. After the satisfying meal, our host accompanied the Hyssongs and Down East Boys on guitar while they led us in familiar hymns. When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!

Though it was a two-day drive there and back, I came home feeling spiritually and mentally uplifted by conversations with new friends, meaningful daily devotions led by Dell Hyssong, and time away with Steve and Ray. I am ready for the days to come as I reflect on the beauty of music and fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ, remember the lush, rolling mountains, and enjoy eating homemade Amish jam and peanut butter for a while.

God Connection

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As a speaker trainer for Stonecroft, one responsibility that I seldom face is sharing negative comments about a speaker’s recent engagement. But a woman had recently stepped over the boundaries and needed to be reminded of them. As I dialed her number, I prayed for wisdom. I had never met this person before, which in some ways made it easier. I didn’t beat around the bush as I explained the reason for my call. At first, she sounded defensive and angry. I listened carefully and gave short replies. She eventually conceded that she may not have followed protocol and hung up. I sighed, relieved that was over, and moved on.

Fifteen minutes later, her number popped up again. She said, “I may not have been as kind as I should have. I’m sorry for getting angry.” I immediately replied, “I forgive you!” and she explained that some stressful things were happening with her adult daughter who has special needs. I related immediately since I am in a similar situation with our son, Ray. We talked for another ten minutes, finding that we had a lot in common. We prayed together as the conversation ended.

That was a God-ordained connection, and I am so thankful that the Lord is with us every moment. He even knows when I will make a new friend, though it caused each of us some anxious moments in the making.

Listen!

Missionary friends Jan and Calvin* were staying in the ministry house near church. They’d gotten involved with the weekly routine during their time in the States, and Jan mentioned a group of teen girls she wanted to reach out to. “Will you join me?” Jan asked.

“Sure,” I replied. “Sounds like fun. How about we start next Sunday?” She agreed and we set a time. The ministry house would be ideal. Jan sounded vague about what we would do, mostly just listen to them. I decided to write up a lesson to share.

I showed up Sunday with five copies of what I thought would be a helpful teaching topic—reading the Bible and praying. There were verses to look up and questions to discuss. That should help these kids, I thought.

As the young women arrived and Jan passed a plate of donuts, I pulled out my Bible and the study sheets. Jan looked puzzled but let me proceed. I taught the lesson, the girls looking at the papers with disinterest. The lesson fell short of creating any enthusiasm for the topic. I closed with a perfunctory prayer, and the girls left. Only one showed up the next Sunday.

Jan and I talked about the outcome. She expressed her desire again to just let them talk and show them love by listening. If only I had asked God to lead me or help me follow Jan’s lead rather than moving ahead without really praying or listening to the Holy Spirit. Lesson learned. Listen!

*Names changed to protect their identity.