GRAN GOES TO ATLANTA

This is the third installment of Life Lessons from Lola, a series about an adorable kitten who’s traveled lots of miles and stolen lots of hearts in her journey home to Terry and me. Thursday I told you how Emily’s cousin, Brady, came to adopt Lola. Today I’m sharing about what took me to Atlanta and my first meeting with her.

A God Thing

Have you ever had an experience that seemed to be orchestrated by an unseen hand? You know—a chance meeting or a set of circumstances that changed your life, brought resolution to a problem, gave you a new friend or opened an important door. And in looking back, you felt it was just meant to be. Some people call such an occurrence  A God Thing or A Divine Appointment. 

I’ve had them. My most recent experience began in August when I saw a Facebook announcement for a one-day women’s conference sponsored by Church4Chicks.com in Georgia. The founder of the group is my new online friend, Shelley Hendrix, and my connection to FaithHappenings.com where I contribute devotionals.

Hmmm

Maria back when

Two things caught my eye. 

It was in the Atlanta area, probably close to where my daughter lives. And it was scheduled for Saturday, November 8, which is her birthday. 

Maria and I haven’t spent her birthday together in a long time because it’s so close to Thanksgiving, when they come to Arkansas. And it’s a long way to Atlanta. 

 

Every time I saw that Church4Chicks ad, the desire to go grew stronger. I found myself thinking what if this is meant to be? So I did what lots Bible-reading folks do. I put out a fleece. You know, take one step to test the waters and see if details begin to fall into place. You know what happened next.  

I texted Maria.

Me:      Is Woodstock anywhere near U?

Maria: 45 minutes w/o traffic. Do you know someone there?

Me:      There’s a conference on your birthday. I’m just exploring possibilities. Do U have
            plans for the weekend? No pressure. It’s a long shot.

Maria:  I have curriculum training for work on Sat. 

Hmm. Maybe I could go to the conference while she in training. 

Atlanta Here I Come
 
After talking further with Maria and Terry, I called my friend Ginger, whose daughter also lives near Atlanta, and invited her to go with me. Long story short, she jumped at the chance to be with her grandchildren. And she wanted to attend the conference. 

So Ginger and I made our plans to drive to Atlanta on Thursday and come back on Sunday. 

I was thrilled because

I had no plans on getting another cat—especially a female cat. 

Was I in for a surprise.  

Thought for the Day:  When you’re attracted to a idea, take the first step. It might be the beginning of some important connection. It was for me, and I’m glad I did. 

Lesson I Was Soon to Learn:  Sometimes, we make our plans for one reason, when God has an entirely different agenda in mind. 

Next time: Lola Goes to Arkansas

 Copyright © Reflections from Dorothy’s Ridge 2014. All rights reserved.