God of the Details...

In July, 2007, Russ’ name appeared on the LTC promotion list.  We were all excited but realized that it would be July 1, 2008, before he officially pinned on the rank.  (Unfortunately, that’s just the way it works in the Army!) With the Big Day finally approaching, Russ & I began to plan the promotion ceremony and the reception to follow.  We ordered the customary cake and sandwich trays, and bought the chips and drinks.  I also bought all the paper products, including the only size tablecloths available, fretting that they were probably going to be too big.  Meanwhile, Russ secured the conference room at his workplace for the ceremony.  Although the break room is usually used for receptions, it is a common area and can’t be reserved.  Being the planner that he is, Russ would walk by the break room almost daily in the weeks leading up to July 1, to survey the layout.  One day he would see an impromptu meeting taking place, another day guys were working on the drink machine … parts scattered around the small space.  Furniture, including tables an chairs, would come and go.   What would await us on our special day?  Some remodeling job?  Locusts?   Russ took what  comfort he could in the one constant … a medium-sized rectangular table we planned to use for our reception.  Every time he passed by, it was in the same spot, untouched.  Until the morning of the reception, that is.  Unbeknownst to us, it had been replaced by a much larger version.  And, as it turns out, a much better version.  It seems that the tablecloths I had bought some weeks prior fit perfectly on the larger table.  The food fit perfectly.  The new layout worked well. So all our planning and stressing over what that morning’s break room configuration would bring was needless.  God knew ahead of time exactly what was necessary to make this moment enjoyable for all of us … and He took care of it.  It seems to us that if He sees to the details of such a momentary part of our lives (and He does!), surely He will take care of those with more lasting significance! 

What a great day it turned out to be!  The kids, all of whom had been sick for days, were well.  BG Terry who had taught Russ as an ROTC cadet at NGCSU officiated the ceremony.  Over 65 family, friends and co-workers, including Russ’ parents, watched as the kids peeled off the old rank and put on that black oak leaf … thank goodness for Velcro!  In the end, we had done our part, and God had more than taken care of the rest!