Two weeks ago, I had an annoying trial that turned into a blessing. I bet you’ve had those, too.
Here’s how it started, ever so innocently. Our oldest grandson had expressed interest in an eventual job with computers. My husband and I thought a one-week computer camp on 3-D animation, sponsored by the University of Texas at Dallas, would be just the thing to give him a leg up. I’m not big on driving these days, but since the location was in Irving, I figured I could manage the two round trips each day. When we registered him, we found he needed a laptop for camp, so we splurged and ordered him one on-line for his birthday. All set—right?
The Wednesday before camp, the laptop arrived, AND the Irving camp was canceled that very same day. However, UTD gave the option of transferring the registration to their Richardson campus. This meant driving both ways during rush hour and my staying on campus all day.
Have you been on the President George Bush Turnpike during rush hour? First it is a RACETRACK complete with curves. Then you suddenly see red brake lights, and the speedway becomes a parking lot, only to repeat the breakneck dash and the turtle crawl several more times. This kind of driving may appeal to young daredevils, but for an OLD person like me, it was hair raising. I claimed Luke 12:32 over and over: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” (NIV)
But this experience also held blessings. Foremost was the time spent with Riley, enjoying his dry sense of humor, even about the traffic that had the audacity to be on the highway with us. Secondarily was the discovery of a goldmine of books in the UTD library about the Edo Period of Japan. Even books published in the nineteenth century were in the library’s main stacks. These gave me badly needed details for the novel I’m working on that is set in 1859 Japan.
God brought us through safely. Riley liked the camp and was able to program animation for the beginning of a video game. I experienced how God could turn the keenly felt disappointment of the Irving cancelation into a large, unexpected blessing.
But I’m not hankering for any more time on that tollway.
I enjoyed reading your post! It is a wonderful reminder of how “what you meant for bad (the terrible traffic, the original camp cancellation), God meant for good (priceless time w/Riley, the treasure of books on just what you need).” Throw in God’s great sense of humor (the idea of Ann being anywhere around a computer camp-I can certainly relate) ; and God’s faithfulness to protect you on that freeway twice a day … Well, what a mighty God we serve!!!
Thanks, Kathy, for commenting. Yes, the computer angle was interesting. You should have seen me setting up Riley’s new computer. Ho-hum I’m sure for computer savvy people. Like walking on the edge of a cliff for me.
It is so good to read about you, Mrs. Boyles! Thanks for sharing your experiences and for reminding me that God works many things out of the blue and surprises us with lovely gifts! I miss my time in Texas: DBU, your classes, God’s sweetness being poured out through your live and our time playing Mexican Train at your place! I’m looking forward to reading your novel! God bless you!
It’s great to hear from you, Elis! Your comments bring back wonderful memories. I hope you can visit Dallas in the future, so we can welcome you to our home again. May the Lord richly bless you too!
Hi Mrs.Boyles! I liked your story! I miss you. I have a five months old son whose name is Samuel. Great to hear from you through this post! 🙂
Hi Hannah. Thanks so much for commenting. I left a comment on Facebook just now about your adorable son!