Blue Print- A plan or guide: A plan of action or a guide to doing something.
How often is it that we try to write our own life's blueprint? For me I do it on a daily basis. I write it, yet when it doesn't work out I don't always own the responsibility. Time and again, when the truth is revealed we are surprised at how much better HIS plan for us is.
We have been planning a hiking trip to the UP for several months with a group of hikers from our church. I have been looking forward to this trip so much, so when I started a new job I was very disappointed that I was not able to get the time off work. The visions I had on how I would efficiently prepare my pack suddenly were empty. The excitement I had over nurturing current friendships and building new ones was suddenly deflated. My desires to see some amazing new scenery that God provided for us was soon replaced with sadness.
However God didn't forget what was important to me. 10 days before my supposed trip, my son and daughter in law called to remind me they would be flying to Maryland for his 10th year reunion at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis. "We would really like you to come this weekend". I quickly thought about how I could make this work, knowing my husband was still going on the hiking trip. I hung up and took action. Lined up a dog sitter. Arranged to work my 40 hours in and be able to leave work early Friday to drive the 6.5 hour drive. My spirits were lifted and though I still wished for the hiking trip I had been given an opportunity for a visit with my son and his family. Not something often done with them living in California.
I entered the weekend with no other expectations than to enjoy time spent, and to love on my 7 month old grandson. Again I underestimated God's plan for me.
Arriving Friday night I met my son and family at a luau being held for his reunion. Uneventful. Saturday we went to the Academy and walked the grounds, allowing my son to walk the yard now as a ranked officer and not a midshipman. We shared memories of the struggles, and joys while being a student at the Academy. As parents I think we are always amazed at the adult transformation that takes place in our children. At 32 I still see them in my son. God gives me glimpses and I take each one to heart.
One such moment- He and I walked into Memorial hall, a beautiful are where Midshipman who have lost their lives since the beginning of the Academy's history in 1845 are honored. A solemn place that commands respect. We walked to the class of 2003 where 2 of his fellow Midshipman were listed, he lifted his Alumni badge and placed it over their names and said "class of 2003- baby" my eyes filled up at the tender moment he shared for them.
We walked to the football stadium where he attended a tailgating party for his class and then we attended the game together. Attending a Navy football game is not like an ordinary game. The patriotic environment is moving. Seeing the entire Midshipman in their white uniforms sitting together as one. Watching all the Plebes (freshman) together go to the end of the field with each touchdown and do push-ups to the sum of the current score. I think this may have solidified Cameron's decision not to attend the academy .
Sunday we arrived at the beautiful chapel at the Academy, and this is why I think God sent me this weekend.
We slipped in towards the back. During the morning greeting the couple who sat in front of us turned to greet us. Striking up a quick conversation they learned that Mike was from the class of 2003. They said their son was as well, and then they said but he didn't graduate. During his Junior year he and his parents went to a Christian camp in the redwood forest. While they were driving home they were struck by a drunk driver and he was killed. They turned around as the service continued and my heart was heavy for them. I sat next to my son and his family and could not imagine the devastation of losing him.
During the service we sang Amazing Grace and I watched the tears roll down the fathers face. At the completion of the service as is every Sunday we sang the Naval Hymn. I watched the young man's father close his eyes and take a deep breath as the last line was sung "for those at Peril on the sea", his yes closed and his cheeks wet with tears, I wanted to reach out to him.
At the conclusion they immediately turned around and shared more of their story. The woman looked at my grandson Alden with longing in her eyes. I know she wondered if he own son might be a dad now. She reached out her arms and asked if she could hold him. They talked to my son and I felt like they were thirsty for a connection to their son. To our amazement they shared they only lived an hour from them in California. They immediately shared their contact information longing for, I am sure any relationship that connects them to the life their son lived. I don't share my children with just anyone but if this helped ease their shattered heart a bit I will share abundantly. This can only be a God planned unity.
As we walked out of the church and said our goodbyes, the mother reached out to embrace me. We went our separate ways, me with my family intact to enjoy the rest of the day and them, they were going to the cemetery on the grounds to visit their son. I came to the reunion to visit my son, they came to honor theirs.
I may not have hiked the trails of the UP. I did not see the beautiful vistas ,but watching my son and the way he stood during the National Anthem, and then the singing of his Alma Mater. That's a vision I am glad God wrote into my weekend blueprint.
No comments:
Post a Comment