A Dentist Appointment leading to a great day.

 Going to the dentist just made my day great. I know that seems a bit weird but hear me out.  My wife called me earlier today to ask if I could take our oldest to a Dentist appointment.  I quickly agreed.  I had been planning on going to the gym but this certainly took priority. I was due for a rest day anyway.    This was an excuse/bonus to see my daughter again.  I am starting to appreciate all the little things I either took for granted or discounted before.  I know I should have cherished this time before but life and complacency got in the way.  Now each moment I get to spend with my kids is a blessing because of the disparity of visitation.   I don’t want to lose this point of view again. It’s kind of like when you are enjoying a bowlful of popcorn or candy. Once you get to the last few remaining pieces you start to savor them more instead of just shoveling them in your mouth.  Why is that?   I think because you know the good thing is about to end you want to stretch it out as long as possible to make it last.  You savor in anticipation of it being gone so you can remember what it felt like when you had it.  I’m savoring these times with my children now.  It’s not like I was a bad father and didn’t savor the moments before.  But now I’m squeezing every last bit of joy out of these moments like you would squeeze the last drops of toothpaste out of the tube.    I am writing this blog as I am in the waiting room.  It was just cool being around her as I enjoy her company.  But wait the day got better.  

I get to also hang out with my youngest on Wednesdays.  She likes to attend an acting class I teach on Wednesday night.  Plus having her there helps the other students perform better as well.  The more participants in an acting the better the overall experience because of a bigger audience and more interaction possibilities.  Now my youngest is only 6.  Two years ago there was no way she was wanting to perform in front of anyone.  I didn’t push it.  But the more she watched and observed the more she wanted to be part of the action.  Now, I have a hard time getting her NOT to participate.  These acting classes really boosted her confidence and taking them at such an early age, I wonder how much this confidence will follow her for the rest of her life?  I just love being around my family.  It makes work feel like fun, because it is fun.  If I’m having fun then my students are having fun as well. 

Afterwards, I also had the opportunity for a daddy-daughter date.  She requested Chik-fil-a  and we split a 12 piece nugget meal with a cookie (her request but she is great about sharing).  She wanted me to watch her play on the playground.  She was quite specific for me to watch her and not be on my phone.  I gave her my assurances.  How much longer is she going to want me to watch her play.  It was pretty adorable.  I just love my family.  That’s why this is so hard for me.  I miss them.  I’m continuing to pray for a miracle.  Absent a miracle, I’m praying for God to replenish my peace and joy.  For one great day He did just that.  I’m filled with hope today knowing God met my need in the present moment.  If He met my need in the present then logic dictates that He will indeed meet it in the future.  

I think God’s plan with the “All Things Work Together for Good” part is a little like a GPS.  I don’t know the exact route which He has chosen to get me to my “All Things” destination but the route will wind up there ultimately.  I just have to avoid the Toll Roads and Road Hazards along the way to get to my destination as quickly as possible.  Today was a great day.  I’m thankful for Dentist appointments.