Our gift to Julie and Nick this year is to experience Arkansas for the first time. We call it the Akin/Arkan Tour. The idea for this Christmas gift popped into my head one day as I realized neither of them have been to this area and Tom, Nick and I haven't yet had time to do much of the "fun" stuff in our new state. The experience of making memories together is my favorite gift to receive, so I started praying about how we could give this to them and make it meaningful. My two opposing personalities, Mrs. Organized and Mrs. Creative, immediately began tug-of-warring over how to handle the tour. Mrs. O. reminded Mrs. C. that our pastor says "Give your time and money a name or it gets away from you." Mrs. C. grudgingly agreed but insisted that Mrs. O. not plan every minute but build in some "down" time and some flexibility. I was a little afraid they would squabble and ruin the experience but planning the Akin/Arkan tour has actually brought them closer together and helped them learn to trust each other more.
Yesterday, Mrs. O. had planned a tour of Little Rock to begin at the Clinton Presidential Library before heading into the River Market District to ice skate, shop and eat lunch. Then we were to go over the river to North Little Rock for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra Concert at 3:00. A late start had Mrs. O. getting tight-lipped and nervous but Mrs. C. whispered, "None of it is 'necessary.' Let's go with the flow." When we arrived at our first destination we saw a trolley decked out for Christmas heading our way and a handful of people waiting at the stop. Mrs. C. squealed as she recognized the blessing and pulled the car along the curb as Mrs. O. fought to think it through: "It'll throw us off schedule. We don't even know where it's going or when it will come back. What if we're late to the concert? We won't have our car!" But Mrs. C. had taken the reigns and we were on the trolley with brochures in hand. She was right to take charge. The trolley ride included a tour guide who helped us get our bearings and showed us everything we needed to know about the area, even making restaurant recommendations. Mrs. O. relaxed and even smiled a little when she realized the trolley would save little pregnant Julie from having to walk too much, keep us all out of the cold, and relieve the stress and expense of parking. Tears of joy sprang to her eyes when Tom bought day passes so we could relax about finding the right change each time we used the trolley. The two Nicks ice skated and we had pizza at Iriana's (voted best pizza in Little Rock three years in a row, according to our trolley conductor) before walking across the street to ride the trolley to our concert. Perfect timing; wonderful fun. Mrs. O. and Mrs. C. high-fived each other and praised God for the way the day brought them together.
After an incredible show, Mrs. C. was over the moon to see the now-lighted trolley heading to our stop. (Mrs. O. was more thrilled to see the trolley roll up just as we walked to the stop.) We boarded and enjoyed the amazing Christmas Spirit found only among city strangers filled with music and thrown together in a trolley. A group of teens arrived a few stops later and the remainder of our glowing ride became a rolling caroling party. The garland and red bows inside the wood interior of the trolley created a surreal yet quaint experience. Mrs. C. said to Mrs. O., "Thanks for the part you planned but thanks for going with the flow." Mrs. O. said, "Thanks for going with the flow and making the plan even better."
We all knew the day was a gift from God. Too many beautiful details dove-tailed to bring many unplanned experiences. God is good to help us order our days when we learn to go with His flow. If we plan away every moment, we plan away opportunities for Him to surprise us with trolleys, carolers, and the goodwill of strangers. If we don't let Him help us make plans we end up forfeiting His blessings and carrying the heavy baggage of regret that comes with unfulfilled ideas and intentions.
Father of Christmas, thank You for the Christmas we experienced with all our senses yesterday. Thank You for the surprises, the blessings, the joy, the gathering, and the Love. Help us let You plan for us and free us from the endless details and lists that eat up precious time. Bless our efforts to find balance and to put You first every moment. The big picture will be worth giving up the reigns now.
In the Name of Jesus, Prince of Peace, Fulfillment of the Plan, Lord of Love
"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33
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