The big day finally arrived. The kids and I were very excited! Then I got a phone call from a family who were unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances, completely understandable. A second phone call, however, revealed that the mother, who had planned to do the devotional, was sick. This call was the most distressful to me as I am not a public speaker and did not feel capable to fill her spot. I was more comfortable with "behind-the-scenes" jobs, not in the public light! For the first time since I felt The Lord's leading in this venture, my peace began to be shattered. We were due to leave in an hour and I felt that I had no spiritual "feeding" for this group of children and mothers.

"Well, Lord," I thought to myself, "You are a God of miracles, and with You, all things are possible. You know that my weakness is public speaking. Yet, for some reason, Kim became sick. I will have to rely on YOU to give me the words and courage to do the job. Please show me what You would have me to say, and then please give me the strength and courage to do it."

Realizing that I would not have the time to write something myself, I started to look through children's devotional books, hoping to just be able to read something and comment. Then the phone rang again. I shuddered as I realized that it might be another problem. "No," I thought, "I refuse to give in to discouragement. This event will be what The Lord wants. I will have no expectations" ("My soul, wait thou only upon God, for my expectation is from Him" Psalm 62:5).

"Hello, this is Liz," the caller responded as I answered the ringing phone. She, also, was one of the homeschoolers who had signed up for the day's events.

"Hello, Liz." I tried to sound enthusiastic and happy to hear her voice, yet anticipating the worst. "How are you? Is everything OK?"

"Well, I just want to apologize to you for not cleaning the bathrooms outside the multi-purpose room," Liz started. "It's our family's turn this month to do them each week and I don't know what happened. For some reason, this past weekend we forgot. But I promise to go up early and get them done for today's craft fair. I just wanted you to know that, and not to worry if they were dirty, and that I would take care of it."

I paused for a moment as I tried to take in what she was saying. The bathrooms--why would I be concerned with the bathrooms? They were the least of my worries! In fact, the bathrooms never even entered my mind!

"Oh, Liz," I said, as I could not hold back my laughter. "Please don't give it a second thought. I'm sure that no one will even notice!" What a precious sister in the Lord, I thought, to care about something like that. "In fact, please don't even go up early to do them. I want you and your children to have a good time today, and for you not to feel rushed or hurried! Please forget the bathrooms for now, and I'll see you at eleven!"

"OK," she responded with relief, "I just felt that I should call and tell you that. I don't know what happened. We NEVER forget our church cleaning responsibilities! Is there anything else I can do to help you?"