February 24 – “The Challenge”

We were supposed to babysit Cailyn again today, but her Dad took off so he could hang out with her.  Gave me a chance to get some extra work done.  Also caused me to reflect on yesterday.  Interesting day.   I went by to visit a couple who was at Seaside Sunday morning.  They live in an apartment complex, and that is always a challenging adventure.  I guessed right on the numbering system this time, though.  I did have to walk a long way, and I didn't find the elevator, so five flights of stairs added a final touch to my workout.  Great couple.  They were among the very first to start Seaside as a mission back in the early nineties.  They traveled all over the world, and finally came back home to Galveston.  He was a coach and high school administrator.  She was a reading specialist.  They are pretty interested in Seaside Christian Academy.  Hope they feel called to plug in there at some level.  It'll be great to have them.   Cailyn came over while her Mom was in school and her Dad was at the eye doctor.  We played awhile, she ate a peanut butter and grape jelly sandwich, then she fell asleep in my arms.  Now the last time she did that I tried to put her in the pac-n-play crib thing.  She woke up.  Not this time.  I decided to do a "don't wake up Cailyn" challenge.  Mom stayed in the other room.  I sat down at my desk, checked the clock, and began timing how long she slept.  She's getting big, so I needed both hands.  That meant I couldn't check email or play solitaire or even read a book.  All I could do was sit there.  I prayed some, for Cailyn and her Mom and Dad.  For Seaside.  I dozed some.  No, I didn't drop her or anything.  She was hooked into the chair.  But most of all I was quiet.  Just quiet.  It's been awhile since I was quiet before God.  I didn't hear any profound answers to the problems of the universe.  Or the problems of Galveston, or of Seaside, or of the Vaughan's.  But I heard the one thing that resonates in the world of quiet.  I heard peace.  And I needed that.   John 14:27 says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."   Father, thank you for that touch of your peace in the arms of my granddaughter.  Amen.