I wanted to "open" with a couple of meaningful, thought provoking questions. The two questions that I had originally included seemed, in the words of a good friend, "almost void of God."
She was right. They were far too vague and new-age sounding. And that wasn't the way I wanted the gist of Daniel's story to appear. Because the Good Lord is one of the main characters, so to speak. But I struggled with this for weeks. The right questions just weren't popping into my head. I prayed about it. I discussed it with friends. I continued to come up empty.
During this frustrating process, a friend (and neighbor) of ours lost his father. It was (and is) a very sad time for a wonderful family in our community. Jimmy and I did not know Mr. Roegiers very well personally, but we always regarded him as a very kind and loving family man.
So, you ask, "How is this relevant??"
Well, the evening before the funeral, I sat with one of my besties, Sherril, and described the message that I was trying to properly convey. I explained my struggle for the perfect fit, and also my desire to complete this task at hand. We both felt like I was headed in the right direction but agreed that I should continue to pray and think on it.
The next day, at Mr. Roegiers funeral, the most amazing thing happened.
As Monsignor Tom walked over to the Roegiers family and bestowed his comforting words of wisdom and faith upon them, he eloquently spoke the exact same sentiments that I had been so desperately trying to put into words for the book!
The Holy Spirit gave me my questions.
Right there. In that church. At that funeral. Sherril and I looked at each other in awe and disbelief. Well, actually, in belief...belief in the Holy Spirit. We witnessed it together. And I walked away knowing exactly which two questions I needed to ask:
What happens when WE have one plan, and
God has another?
Do you still BELIEVE?
Do you still BELIEVE?
Thank you, Mr. Roegiers. I will always remember your hand in this labor of love...
