“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.” John 15:16

Chosen is a powerful word. Out of all the definitions of chosen, the one that blesses me the most is “to want; desire.” Do you remember being chosen, or not, as a child at school for games? Have you ever been designated for a prestigious award? The “chosen” word can be both painful and joyful.

In my book, “Waves of Gratitude: Seeing God’s love through the darkest storms,” there were many painful times that I was not picked out but picked on. I learned over the years that earthly choices were nothing compared to being favored by God. “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that you visit him?” (Psalm 8:4). Despite our apparent insignificance in the vastness of creation, God has chosen us. To be called by the King of the universe is a glorious calling indeed.

This weekend I had the great blessing of attending a women’s gathering at a local church. Now some might not think that it is a memorable event, but to me it was a joyfully overwhelming opportunity! You see, as a single mom with a disabled child, and because of an enormous lack of caretakers for children, elderly, and everyone in between; I had not been to a women’s celebration in over ten years.

The amazing thing God orchestrated, without a doubt, is that I just happened to notice that Kelly Minter, a women’s Bible teacher, author, and singer, was coming into town. I saw the ad months ago before I even had someone to care for my son. For some unknown reason, I had high hopes of attending and registered. A friend and I both signed up to go… and I prayed earnestly.

When there was a notice that my son received a special waiver, which included childcare from an agency, my heart skipped ecstatically, and I thought that I might soon have a little more freedom and be able to attend this conference. The first caretaker that I interviewed seemed perfect. She was even studying to be a nurse! Of course, the day of her first assignment was a no-show. I began to give up all hope of going to the event. My friend and I considered who could take my place to go with her. Strangely, everyone we thought of was obligated to do something else. I was determined to encourage my friend to go by herself, knowing she would likely make friends there. But God already had plans.

Two days before the event, the attendant agency contacted me again. They had another person for me to interview. This was a male helper, which was better for my son. The interview went well, and I asked him to come that day to meet my son and for me to meet him in person. This was the day before the conference.

The guy was very nice and respectful, and my son liked him, (my son has great insight to people’s personalities), but still… I wasn’t sure. By this time, I was begging God to let me attend the conference for teaching and encouragement, but I also knew that these days, even background checks didn’t prove everything. I decided to trust God since He had called my attention to the special program and let this guy be with my precious son. I called the agency supervisor to confirm they had run a background check and that there had been no complaints about this person.

Friday arrived. The caretaker showed up. I prayed out loud for my son and him. I took a deep breath and left.

My friend and I excitedly arrived at the crowded event. We miraculously got great seats near the front and waited for the workshop to begin. The emcees played games with the audience, gave gifts, and then worship began. After worship, Kelly came out. She gave a summary of what she would be sharing that evening and the next day in the three one-hour sessions. And then she spoke the foundational verse of the conference. I almost burst into tears. The verse, John 15:16, has been one of many cherished verses to me. This verse was prayed over me in January 2003 when my church and missions board commissioned me to India. It had been the most incredible ceremony that I had ever experienced. Kelly dug deep into John 15:1-17 in those three sessions and closed the ceremony, singing How Great Thou Art.

Oh God, how great You truly are!

My son was safe and joyful with his new caretaker. I was convinced and refueled for the appointed journey ahead. I was reminded to focus, move forward, and bloom right where I was at and would be.  I knew, without wavering, that this conference was chosen for me.

***In one day, I will begin short update notes of Sailing Waves! Stay tuned in!