Our Second Granddaughter

“Before I shaped you in the womb,
I knew all about you.
Before you saw the light of day,
I had holy plans for you" Jeremiah 5:1A (The Message)

"Dad, I think it's time," the voice on the phone was Daughter #2 in the wee hours of the morning.

Her Dad had been designated to drive her from her apartment on the grounds of Thorncrown Chapel, to Fayetteville, where delivery was scheduled. And, this grandmother was given the job of looking after three year old Granddaughter until the baby arrived. Then we would make the drive to see her newborn sister.

So, I called Daughter #1 in Tulsa.
"Your dad just left here. He's headed to take your sister to Fayetteville. Her labor pains are pretty regular. So, if you're still planning on being there, thought I'd give you a heads up. I'll bring Little Sister over after she wakes up so I'll see you there sometime today."

" Well, I hope it's not Braxton-Hicks this time like it was last time and I make a trip over for nothing," muttered Daughter #1.

From all reports, the ride of father and daughter from Eureka Springs to Washington General was a pretty scary one. Dad was straightening out the corners and daughter was promising not to deliver in the vehicle.

Daughter #2 made it from Tulsa to the hospital on a wing and a prayer and went in to be the labor coach. The doctor, after checking the patient, thought it would be a while so she went to tend to other duties.

"I've gotta push !"

"NO, YOU DON'T GOTTA PUSH!" yelled Daughter #1, "Don't you dare push. The doctor's not back here yet !" she said as she hurried to the door.

"Dad, go get me a coke, please, things are happening here !"

So, dad returned with the requested coke. And, yes, things were happening. The doctor raced down the hall ; through the door to the labor room and within minutes the sound of a newborn's cry was heard.

Another beautiful little 7 lb 1.9 oz , 20 " long baby girl had made her way into the world at 11:30 that September morning. She immediately captured the hearts of all of us who were there, including her sister. And, by 6:00 that evening, Mother and baby were back home and settling in.

Now, some almost 24 years later, that September baby is still capturing hearts. She captured the heart of one particular young man and they were married at Thorncrown Chapel two years ago, where they first knew each other when they were both small. And, as a Family Advocate, she is helping families with little ones get the needed help to ensure a better life for their children.

Isn't it amazing how even though we can't see God's hand ahead of us, we can look back and see His hand in things that we experience; even in circumstances that occur in our lives that may be painful at the time? God knew us before we were conceived; He knew the circumstances and experiences that make us the people we are today.

Wouldn't it be wonderful, knowing all of that, if we could trust God completely with our lives and the lives of our children and the circumstances we may find ourselves in?

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11