Someone Planned This...

Last Thursday, in continuation with the previous week's lesson on plans, did not go as expected. Once again, Jeremiah and I found ourselves alone at Capitol Lake. This time was our fault, to an extent. But I contend our situation could not have been avoided. We were set up I tell you. 

Usually, we sit around Moon Base with nothing to do until our pals show up to prayer walk. This week I figured, why not make music at the park while we wait. I planned - or perhaps imagined would be more accurate - to start the evening off with Jeremiah. We'd jam and sing, and as our friends showed they'd join. Once everyone was gathered we'd set out on our walk with our hearts focused and our spirits high.

Problem was, I didn't properly convey my imagined plan to anyone. I did mention my thoughts to Kendal and Winter early on in the week. At that point though, it was more of a: Wouldn't it be cool if we had a jam sesh at the park... than a: Meet us at the park before the prayer walk. I realized this just after Jeremiah and I found ourselves a comfy spot in the grass and discovered that neither of us had phones.

Since we were already set and ready to make noise, we decided to wait and see if anyone would show. I was hoping the vague informaiton I mentioned to Winter and Kendal would make them curious enough to come to the lake. Once there, our loud and anti-melodic sounds would lure them towards us. After waiting 15 minutes or so, we started to feel a little nervous and impatient. So, we got to praying. "We call forth our friends in Jesus name," we said. "Carry these sound waves to their ears and inspire them to move toward us." We determined to wait what we felt was 30 minutes and if we were still alone, we'd head home. The night was young still and we hoped to rally the troops for a walk before dark.

Moments after we concluded our remaining time at the lake was limited, Jeremiah squinted into the distance behind me. "Is that Dave?" he asked. I could just make out a man with long gray hair. Without thinking, I waved. The man waved back and started walking our way. "Is that you guys?" Dave asked. What a funny coincidence, we thought.

"I don't usually come here when I want a walk, but I felt like I needed to," Dave explained. "And I would have parked sooner but none of the spots felt right, ya know?" By dusk, the three of us were still chatting merrily away. Dave is Josiah's dad. He's been a missionary for at least 30 years and has been witness to some incredible works of God. Josiah has invited him to a few Bible studies and my mind gets blown every time. Our conversation that evening ranged from miraculous healings, to why we've disassociated from the church; from raising the dead, to Wee Todd's giant, hand-made djembe (if I can acquire a picture of this, I will most certainly add it).

As it so happens, Jeremiah and I are getting married at the end of the month. It also so happens that Dave came to Bible study last Tuesday, where we dropped the not so subtle hint (coaxed by Josiah) that we would be ultra stoked if he would marry us. Since Jeremiah and I happened to be alone at the lake, it was an excellent opportunity for Dave to sling disarming questions at us like, "So why do you want to get married?" I semi-believe this was retaliation for putting him on the spot at Bible study.

After several minutes of long-winded stammering to express simply, we love each other, we noticed the time and remembered the prayer walk. By now, it seemed official that no one else was coming and that it was too late for a walk. Dave was on his way to visit a friend before he veered our way; our time was coming to an end. The whole experience was incredibly refreshing. I couldn't get over how happy the very air felt - like an incredible weight I didn't realize I'd been carrying had been lifted from my shoulders. Jeremiah started to explain the sensation he was feeling, but couldn't quite find the words. As a last ditch effort, he started to say "It's like..." and then a light flicked on behind his eyes. "We were set up."

We parted ways with hugs and perma-grins. Jeremiah and I have been glowing all week. It's amazing the effect a good conversation can have on the soul. This has been an oddly difficult Thursday evening to write about. I was so excited I wanted to get this posted the very next day, but it's taken me all week to find the words and the time to write. My hope is that all who read this will find themselves similarly "set up" in the near future.