Brett needed several items for a short play the drama team will be performing tomorrow.  I made a list of the items for the play as well as a few personal items.   A package of AA batteries would be easy enough, but I wasn’t sure I would be able to find a full size plastic pomegranate or a pair of metal handcuffs.    I convinced Aspen she wanted to go shopping because we would be stopping by the toy store in  hopes of finding a pair of handcuffs  in the children’s dress up aisle.

Fifteen minutes after backing out of the driveway I pulled into the already crowded parking lot of the toy store.  They didn’t have handcuffs, but I did pick up the AA batteries.  CHECK.    I searched the aisles of  Target next, but to no avail.  No full size plastic pomegranates or metal handcuffs on the holiday goods laden shelves.  The craft store next door seemed like a good possibility for a pomegranate.  I found one full size red plastic pomegranate in the pomegranate bin.  CHECK.  My spirits soared until I arrived at the check out counter and groaned at having to stand in line behind 10 people  for the only checker.  So there I stood with my one red plastic full size pomegranate in a line of people with carts full of stuff.  I had to mentally thunk myself and change my train of thought, after all I did have the full size red pomegranate in hand even if I did have to test my patience waiting in line to pay for it.

I  walked to the car with my treasure and excitedly called Brett  to tell him about the pomegranate.  By now  I was pretty sure I would never find the handcuffs, but asked him where he thought I should go next in pursuit of the elusive metal handcuffs.   He wasn’t very helpful with suggestions, but it was fun to talk to him.  I decided to try the mall next as it was just across the street from Target.  Aspen held my hand and skipped into the mall. After a bit of wandering we found  a small costume type shop.  The young clerk pointed me to the back of the store when I asked for handcuffs.  I gleefully picked up two pair and slid my card at the counter. CHECK.

I arrived home with my treasures just in time to go with Brett to an extra scheduled play practice.  Two hours passed by quickly as I watched Brett direct the kids.  Brett has a special gift for directing and teaching.  It is a joy to watch him.

I wonder if God has a check list for us.  He does have a plan for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11), so I wonder if He gleefully marks a check by every thing we finally “get”.   He must enjoy watching us do what He has created us to do at least as much as I love watching Brett doing what God obviously gave him a gift to do.

I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope.  Jeremiah 29:11

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you;  Jeremiah 1:5

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  Psalm 139:13