Relaxed in God’s Timing

Somehow the Martha in me became Mary today, and I let the day unfold in whatever manner it would. This meant that I’d cleaned, cooked, and set the table in a relaxed way and still had time to ride the 7 train to Grand Central to meet James and Kris (Laurence’s sister) as they walked from the Metro North train in the great room by the clock. (“Meet me at the clock.”) More company would be heading to our place, but Kris, and I had time to walk through the Christmas Market while James got a drink and sat by the skating rink in Bryant Park.

James and Kris parked their suitcases in our foyer just before the houseparents, Randy and Rachel, arrived with Beth and her son, Bane. Eleven-year-old Bane – he plays Michael Jackson on Broadway – settled down on our bed with his computer to do his schoolwork. Then in another matter of perfect timing, Laurence, wearing scrubs, walked in to have dinner with his sister and the rest of us. 😊

Conversation flowed and soon Laurence needed to return to the clinic. Randy headed to a dentist appointment a mile away in Woodside. The rest of us gaped at frogs, eels, live crabs, pig snouts, and more ordinary things in the Asian Market. Kris bought bamboo toothpicks because they’re the best. The next stop was for bubba tea. (Bee, where are you? 😢)

Back at our apartment, we gave hugs and said farewells. Beth and Bane went to the R train, Rachel to the 7 train, and James and Kris to take the Q70 bus to LGA. I thought maybe I could extend the visit a bit by riding with them, but Q70 bus was jam packed and no way was I getting on it.

I turned to walk away when in God’s perfect timing I met a friend I haven’t seen for ten years (likely more). Andrea threw her arms around me and we shared hearts. She hugged me tightly again and again. We did not exchange phone numbers. (God knows where she’s at, and where I am.)

In 2009, I ended the book Be Still with, “Did an elderly, sanctified Martha sit quietly at her Master’s feet . . .?” It’s taken a lot of sanctification, and I’ve been a slow learner, but O the blessing of letting God work things out in His way and according to His timing. Berniece 11/16/23