How many times a day to I say to my students, “Listen to me.”?

Countless, I am sure.

How many times a day does the Holy Spirit say to me, “Listen to me.”?

Countless, again, I am sure.

Today I listened.

Last Thursday (of course) we got an email from the paralegal at the lawyer’s office telling us that A) S had been in the hospital, B) S’s pipes had burst in her apartment and she was going to stay with family and had no means of communicating for a few days and C) we were responsible for the prescription she had to get.

WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

All of this in an email! I got this email at work, and promptly burst into tears and called my husband. He called the paralegal to get clarification and to (not so gently) tell her that she needed to learn some email etiquette.

S had a sinus infection. The baby is fine. We agreed to pay the prescription bills (because frankly, she can’t, and I know – and Keith knows – how miserable sinus infections are). But don’t email me and tell me she went to the hospital!! I immediately thought worst-case!

But I hadn’t heard from S in a long time. Adoption is forever about the wait.

I woke up this morning with an overwhelming sense of peace. Chalk it up to my very extended conversation with God yesterday as I rode home from an out-of-state field trip, snuggled into my sweatshirt and coat and drifting off in the rainy darkness of the busride.

I prayed for this child. I prayed that whether or not he grows up in our house, S’s house, or someone else’s house, that he is healthy – loved – protected – and grows up to be a mighty man of God. I prayed for S – for her situation with her family (I would like to punch them) – for her health – for her pregnancy – for her busted pipes – for her peace with her decision. I prayed for us – that we would listen to God – and take comfort in Him no matter what – that we would be godly parents who raise our children to be godly parents. Most of all, though, I prayed for God’s will to be done.

That is a hard prayer to pray. We are all selfish human beings, and we want what we want when we want it. But throughout this entire process, we have prayed that God’s will be done.

Driving home from school today, in near blizzard like winds and ice pebbles bouncing off my window, I distinctly heard God say I needed to call S.

I came into the house, let out the dogs, checked the mail, and ran hot water to wash dishes.

I heard God say again I needed to call S.

So I did.

Sigh……………………………………………….

Things are fine. She is healthy – she is back in her apartment. She has met with the birthparent coordinator, and even better, really liked her. She let me talk to her three year old daughter about Santa Claus!! She is ready to start a new job and go back to school as soon as the baby is born. She is anxious for the baby to be born so she can “move on” past this year (her words). She called me her friend.

She is an amazing woman. God is blessing us with the beginnings of a wonderful relationship.

You know what happens when you listen for God? He shows up. Every time.