On relatively short notice, I decided to plan a cruise out of New York with my daughter for her winter recess. I have long recognized that the days are long, but the years are short and it’s becoming more real with each passing day.
Because of the short notice, the trip was just to be me and her. And we were looking forward to the time.
On our first full sea day, while walking through a restaurant, I heard my name and before I had time to react, I felt someone’s hand on my shoulder.
When I turned around, it was a mommy friend that our daughters had attended day care together, until they were two years old. Coincidentally, I had spoken with my mom friend less than two months ago and she’d suggested we should get the girls together. They wouldn’t have seen each other in almost 10 years at that point. But, we hadn’t gotten a chance to plan a play date yet.
They were also traveling with another family, with kids of varying ages.
While the plan was a mother/daughter get away. It turned into much more. It turned into connection for all of us and providing us what we each needed.
As you may know by now, I love to plan. But I’m also learning to hold loosely to my plans because God has a way of going above and beyond my expectations. His plans and ways are far better than I could ever imagine.
We’ve spent almost every day with one set or both sets of families, which has been just what we each needed.
So, while I sit here writing in a moment of quiet, my daughter is with her new and old friends, hanging out and playing a good game of Family Feud.
This season has truly been about connection and I’m so grateful.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the love that you show to us in the different ways you show up for us. You continue to exceed our expectations when we trust you with everything we have. Continue to guide our paths as we trust you.