Flying By the Seat of My Pants = Kisses From Heaven

Missing my home church service yesterday morning because of timing, I headed out for Texas. It was a spendidly gorgeous day with the sun shining so brilliantly. I was bound and determined to attend service somewhere, and as it turned out, the timing was perfect for me to stop in Durant, OK.

Durant has a special connotation for me. It is where my 19 year old Mother and my 31 year old father drove to where Dad's best friends lived, who stood up for them as they got married in Durant. There were 12 years difference in their ages, but it was a match made in heaven. Sweet memory for me as I drove through that sleepy little town, past Southeastern OK State University and made my way to St. Williams Church.

As I drove up to the church, I knew I was going to be in the minority. Most of the attendees I saw going in were beautiful Hispanic people wearing their Sunday best. At first I thought the service would be only in Spanish, but I was pleased that it was all in English. What pleased me even more were the beautiful young girls all dressed in gorgeous white gowns and veils (looking like little brides) and the boys in their Sunday best, standing in the foyer when I walked in. I had to grab a photo of them. I made a spectacle of myself when I said, "Everyone look here -- smile big and say cheese!" They did. It is such a beautiful sight and such a momentous and touching occasion.

First Holy Communion (usually in second grade), is a defining moment and really big celebration for Catholic families. The day of First Communion is one they've spent months preparing for, learning the significance of the price Christ paid when He died on the cross for us, and then as He commanded at the Last Supper "As often as you do this (receive Holy Communion), do it in remembrance of Me." These kids have looked forward to this day with great anticipation -- the day when they are intimately united with Jesus Christ. This day is one the kids will never forget -- and it will be up to the parents', families' and friends' prayers and examples that will help ensure it.

The final little photo is a precious little girl and boy that sat behind me in church. The little girl kept tapping me on my back. I felt her love. I think she knew I was a Nana, just like at my home church where my godson and his sister, give me love-taps, hugs and kisses. I know they are heaven sent...in Tulsa AND in Durant, OK.

I love schedules and I also love "winging" it because when I just run with the wind and I trust that my steps are ordered of the Lord, He gives me some of most precious moments. I felt it big time yesterday. Psalm 37:23 "The steps of a good man (good woman) are ordered by the Lord: and he (she) delights in His way" -- (the way that led me to Durant, OK to witness a little piece of heaven on my way to my little piece of heaven with my kids in Texas). I'm just thanking God, once again, for shining His light brightly into my world.