When the Unexpected Pops Up

On Thursday afternoon, just as Dan and I were getting ready to leave for a meeting, we received a phone call from our son. He was sitting on the side of the road with a blown engine in his car. The problem is he lives 3 1/2 hours away.

After back and forth phone calls he called a tow truck and got it towed to a garage. He ended up renting a car and headed here for the holiday. We've been working with him to figure out his next steps because he still owes thousands of dollars on the car which will also take a significant amount to replace the engine. His rent is going up in the new year. His seasonal job ended and he is trying to find something else, but needs a car for that to happen. His car still has not been looked at by the mechanic. It is all more than a little overwhelming.

Long story short, we extended an invitation for him to live here temporarily so he can get out from under all of this. It would save him money on expensive rent and utilities.  The timing was right since his lease is up at the end of December, but we don't have to scramble to get him out of the apartment. Housing is much cheaper in our area so if he decides to stay long term he can find a less expensive apartment. And he'd be closer to family. He's pretty isolated where he lives so when things do happen he's struggling to find help.

It's all unexpected and an adjustment for us all. But once again, God reminded me of my desire for connections this year and this is a way to shower some love on our son. And it's an opportunity for the Lord to work on need to control my environment and schedule. 

I'm thankful we can help him in this way. It's unexpected, but it's a way to bless him. And I'm so proud of how well he has taken all of this. He has remained calm and unrattled. He is obviously disappointed at the turn his life has taken, but has handled it with maturity and grace. He is taking it one step at a time and one day at a time.

I'm proud of how well I'm handling all this too! 😂 This is a a disruption for our life as well and yet, God has given me the grace and ability to be calm and laid back about it all as well.

The unexpected will happen in life and yet, God gives us the ability to readjust and continue to move forward in hope.

Thanksgiving is Thursday and this year I am thankful for the unexpected. Despite how things seem at times, God uses these things to stretch and grow us into men and women who reflect Him. 

Have a happy Thanksgiving!