Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. James 1:17
I received a surprise this week. Monday, October 5 was the anniversary of Darryl’s transition to heaven. I don’t write it on the calendar, but somehow my soul remembers. This year, on the morning of, I sent a text to my children with a reminder and a virtual hug. I found out later, my son, Andrew, remembered earlier and mentioned it to his wife, Becca. She showed up to my house with fun surprises later that morning! What she didn’t know is that I had wondered if she could help me email a video to a supporting church. We had an amazing fruitful day together.
Later that day, my son in law Tim showed up with two brown bags. He said, Oh, this is Wing Stop…we brought dinner the rest of the family are coming! I thought, wow that is amazing. I was so blessed to have them surprise me with dinner. As the others walked in, I looked up and found our Ghanian son, Justice Ekuban! Talk about a surprise! He had been doing ministry in Vancouver, B.C., Canada (he lives in Toronto) and decided to cross the border and visit us. I hadn’t seen him since Darryl’s memorial service 14 years ago! My guest room was clean and ready to host this surprise guest. For some people unexpected guests would be difficult, but all the years of hospitality and trusting God’s plan made it easy to embrace.
The joy of being together again is indescribable. We reminisced about his first visit–made when he was just 15. It was good to share stories about the month he spent with us and to hear how it changed his life. It wasn’t necessarily an easy time for either of us. His culture shock was very real. I tried to feed him well-but his mom had told him not to be a bother! I know as a growing 15 year old, he spent some hungry nights because the food was so different. Toward the end of his visit, we sorted it some, but I was still nervous seeing his mom when I went to Ghana! We had some wonderful conversations then and again on this visit. He stayed three nights with me.
He is now in his 40’s, married with three children. He is a consultant for many companies and is quite successful. Although he has a tent making call, he has also answered God’s call to be a church planter and pastor. I marvel at his wisdom, grace and insight. He is a man of prayer. He and Darryl had many phone conversations, and after his passing we carry on. Tim and Elizabeth visited him in Toronto and met their children. God is so good. Some of his friends think it is odd he has a white family in the states, and I know there are some folks that don’t quite understand when I say he is my Ghanian son. But God puts families together.
Years go, we met his parents on a ministry trip to London. God took that meeting and changed all of our lives. My encouragement to us all, is to keep our hearts open. Ask and allow the Holy Spirit to make His connections for you. You never know what kind of adventures it may lead to. God is so good. He took what could have been a harder day, and made it special. He knows how to work the hard things we go through into good for us, if we just trust Him.
Unfortunately, we heard some harder surprises this week, as well. The unexpected passing of two young men, leaving their families in shock. The families don’t know each other–live in separate towns with separate stories. But as I pray for them, I know God will show up with His love, comfort and hope–just like He did for me fourteen years ago. No matter what life is bringing you right now…keep trusting Him.
Father, I thank you for your surprises...for I know they are not a surprise to you. I thank you for opening our eyes and hearts to your surprises knowing you have a good plan, if we trust you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
