Gentle Nudging

I went to work today just to pop in and pick up my paycheck.  Gina tells me there is a panicked bride-to-be in the reception area (tomorrow is her wedding) that needs a practice updo (something bad happened at the salon where she was supposed to go) and suggested that maybe I could help her.  So I did.  After a few moments we started getting to know each other, and of course we got on the subject of our kids.  Now by this time Gina had a break and was sitting in the chair adding to the conversation.  I told this woman about Chen Chen and she thought it was nice, etc.  Gina tells her he is deaf.  Well, it just so happens that THIS bride works with special needs kids---knows sign language too...I looked at Gina and her mouth was opened from surprise.  I stopped curling and said "See?  This KEEPS happening! THIS IS WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT!"  Gina felt her arms and said "I just got chills!"

Now, I am quite sure that some of you may think this is coincidental.  It's not!  I know this is God speaking to me.  Gently encouraging me-gently nudging me.  And I know this is so because he is using so many people to do just that!  I am not a trusting person by nature.  My Aunt Paula told me that God must be saying "That Shannon sure is stubborn, look at all I have to go through to convince her." This is a woman with a pure heart.  She knows her God.  

People I don't even know are praying for me because of the friends in my life.  Friends I haven't seen in years!  It means so much to me!  You know who you are!  I don't have to name them all.  Lord knows I have already thanked them....but they will NEVER know the depth of my gratitude-not in this life!  People who can't afford to donate are donating.  THIS is what breaks me.  THIS is what God is using to humble me.  We all know (hopefully) the story of the widow who tithed all she had in Luke 21: 1-4 (yes, I had to look that up!).  These are the people that touch me.  Please, please don't think I am asking for money as I write this.  Honestly, that is between the reader and God!  I just want the people who are following this life journey to KNOW that I am thankful!!  Thankful that you even CARE to read it!  Thankful that you care about my family!  Thankful that you CARE...in general!

I said to Ron tonight, "You know, this time next year we may be the parents of a deaf child.  Does that scare you?"  He said, "No.  Being a parent doesn't scare me."  Not the normal "Yes, it scares the hell out of me" that was expected.  All I could do was smile.  Who is this man?  Certainly not the man I married...but a man that just may be getting a gentle nudging, as well.