A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…
By Barbara Dahlgren
Seeing God do the lovely, unexpected thing brings me joy.
Many years ago, when I was a young teacher’s aide at a Christian school in East Texas, it was my task to have the fourth graders put on a Thanksgiving play. The children were all given assignments. Some were making the sets. Some were coming up with props. Some were in charge of advertising. Some would design the program which would list everyone’s contributions.
The acting assignments were made and, of course, our theme had something to do with the Pilgrims and Indians. Diana was going to be an Indian princess. She eagerly informed me that she was Native American and her grandmother who lived in another state was a real Indian princess. So Diana phoned her grandmother asking her to mail an outfit she had worn as a young girl. I said, “That’s lovely!” It would definitely lend some authenticity to our little production.
The children worked very hard. The kids really outdid themselves on the set designs. They decided if they couldn’t have one of the coveted acting roles, they were going to make the best sets possible. I was impressed with how well our performers learned their lines and how willing the other children were to prompt them when they missed a word here and there.
Then came the day of our dress rehearsal. Everything was in place. However, Diana still did not have her costume. She was downtrodden. We came up with a makeshift costume for her to use and I tried to prepare her for the worse. It seemed unlikely her outfit would make it by the next day and the show must go on.
I’m not sure there is anything sadder than a disappointed child whose heart was set on something very special. And are we not all children in the eyes of God?
The day of the performance came.
Now this school was not just one building but several small buildings called pods. Each classroom occupied its own pod. Ours had two entrances: one near the back left and one near the right front. Desks had been moved to the sides to make room for folding chairs for our audience. Guests were greeted at the back door, given a program, and ushered to their seats facing the cardboard cutouts of scenery in the front.
I was with our cast who waited outside the front door, ready to make their entry. Diana asked me to wait a bit because her family wasn’t there. We waited about ten minutes but really could wait no longer. We had to go ahead with the performance. I welcomed our guests and the show began.
First came the Pilgrims who looked the part, wearing their handmade hats and white paper collars. After a bit, the Indians knocked on the door and were invited in. I couldn’t believe my eyes! Before me stood a happy, excited Indian princess in the loveliest, most colorful attire ever. It was like a miracle. Diana was beaming and I was holding back tears of joy.
Later Diana told me she was waiting outside when her mother arrived with the package and quickly dressed her right before her grand entrance. God had made a little girl and her teacher very happy that day. It still brings me joy thinking about this lovely, unexpected surprise.
I think God does the lovely, unexpected thing more than we realize. God delights in us (Psalm 18:19). People use words like coincidence, chance, and serendipity when more than likely it’s God doing the lovely, unexpected thing.
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Lord, open my eyes that I may see Your hand in my everyday life. Help me recognize the lovely, unexpected things You do for me and let me never cease to give You praise and thanks. I don’t know why You would delight in me, but You do. Please teach me to delight in You!
