Monday, Day 2

Today is my day off and I will be helping my bride in her classroom of 2nd graders. She needs some ingredients of homemade play dough. I run to the store for her and SURPRISE! find three pennies on the pavement as I exit the car. I know that money doesn't fall from heaven, but every I do believe that every good gift is ultimately given by God.

Back in the classroom, as I help mix ingredients to make play dough, I seek looks of SURPRISE from the students who are amazed what flour, salt, water and oil mixed together can make. "Plastelina!" they cry out, which is Spanish for play dough. I am reminded how simple things create a sense of wonder in a child.

Later in the day, I help with a field trip to the golf course. First Tee of Monterey County provides the coaches for 60 minutes. I think, "How much golf can twenty-two 2nd graders learn in an hour?" I have a bit of a SURPRISE as most of the class is fooled by the short, tight turf of the putting green. When quizzed, they think it is carpeting, instead of real grass. After a tour of the clubhouse, some safety rules, and a quick game of baseball golf, I drive home grateful for the fun that children bring into my world.

Later this evening I return a phone call to Joe (not his real name). For 45 minutes we talk about his marriage struggles. I had met with the couple just last week. By Joe's words today, I realize once again that one counseling session does not fix a marriage. I pray that God might surprise Joe and his wife with His abundant grace.