First – we want to wish you all a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! We are cheering for 2021 big time, aren’t you? Before I continue, I should probably warn you that I’m about to move across the country and I’m in the middle of editing A Deep Divide which releases in October, so my brain is just a little fried. (In other words, be prepared for random thoughts…)
Anyway, Becca and I had a fun conversation when she was here for Thanksgiving about how big and small decisions impact our lives. (If you haven’t read Becca’s post about it – make sure you go back and read it)
To continue with her beautiful train of thought, I wanted to share a little decision that became a huge decision that became life-changing.
Back in 2019 (that sounds like it was a century ago, doesn’t it?) Becca and I had the chance to get together several times for some great writer events. It was amazing that we were both back in the same region of the country again (her hubby is an army Chaplain, and my hubby is a Pastor – so the Lord has often called/moved us all) and we were only a day’s drive away from each other, so Becca invited us to come out and visit around Christmas. I wasn’t sure Jeremy would be able to get away with all the church stuff during the season, so our initial plan was flexible. (And yes, before you even ask, Becca and I *did* have a short conversation about “what if” our kids met again and hit it off… but I’ll come back to that later)
Sooooo… Christmas approached. We were all really excited about the visit. But I had a deadline fast approaching and Kayla and Jeremy both came down with colds. They were pretty miserable for a few days and we were supposed to be leaving very soon to head to Becca and Nathan’s. Our sweet friends had reserved us a great hotel for all of us to stay in and everything. But…I have to admit, I began to doubt. I didn’t want Jeremy and Kayla to be miserable on a trip. I knew Jeremy was exhausted from all he’d had going on. And of course, I was overwhelmed by all I had to do.
I went to talk to Jeremy about this – and laid out all the things I was worried about. “Should we take the trip?”
In my mind, I was thinking that he wouldn’t want to go. Becca and I have pretty much done anything and everything to be able to see one another and hang out, but I didn’t want to be selfish. It had been hard to see Kayla and Jeremy be so miserable with their colds, but at least they were feeling a bit better. But you know how it is when you’re a mom. You worry and fret about everyone and then worry about making the correct choice.
Jeremy though was quick to make the decision. He said, “Let’s go.”
And so we went.
Best. Trip. Ever.
Why? Well, Steven was visiting his parents for Christmas and was still there when we arrived. We had a blast playing games, eating, watching movies, and just hanging out as families that had been good friends for almost a decade.
And wouldn’t you know? A few weeks later, Steven and Kayla started dating.
In July, they were married.
Then in October, we were all on Skype together (Becca, Nathan, me, Jeremy, Steven and Kayla) when our kids shared the glorious news that in June we will get to meet the newest member to the family. (Yay for grandbabies!!!!!)
You see? Because I was worried and didn’t want to be selfish, I almost made a little decision about not going to see our precious friends. Even though Becca and I as authors would love to take credit for orchestrating this amazing romance, we can’t. I need to give credit to my husband. Granted, he didn’t match-make or orchestrate anything. But he said two little words that made it all happen. “Let’s go.”
And in all actuality, it was a bunch of little decisions that became a big decision that became life-changing.
Becca and I planned to get together.
Nathan and Becca made sure we had a place to stay.
Steven flew from NY to WA to see his parents.
Kayla came home from seminary for Christmas break.
The Woodhouses drove from MT to WA to see the Whithams.
The rest–as they say–is history.
Boy… am I ever thankful for our friends and for my husband making that little decision.
LOVE and FAMILY. They’re beautiful, aren’t they?
