Around the time our children were in late middle school, Baxter and I decided to surprise them with a trip to the circus.  We had not taken them since elementary school and thought that in the next couple of years, they wouldn’t care too much about going. So began the preparations.

When the circus weekend arrived, we asked the children if they would like to go to a nice restaurant for supper. We didn’t go out to eat very often, so that really sounded like a good idea to them. When they got home from school, they got their chores done and got ready. When Baxter came home, we loaded up and headed to Charlotte. Rob was really excited. Eating out at a nice restaurant is still one of his favorite things to do. Stephie always loved an adventure, so they were really excited.

We decided to tell them we were taking them to Shoney’s. The atmosphere in the car turned from warm to ice. Shoney’s was not their definition of a “fine restaurant”. Their night was ruined.

We arrived at Shoney’s. They ordered their meal and tried to be happy, but we had not come through on our promise.

After the meal, Baxter asked them if they wanted to ride around, and they said ok. Bless them. They were trying so hard to be appreciative, but we had not come through on our promise.

We rode over toward the new coliseum that was out toward the airport. The traffic was heavy because everyone was headed to the circus. Baxter was in the turning lane. The children started to panic. Baxter couldn’t get out of that lane. 

Stephie said, “ Daddy, you’re gonna have to turn! We are going into the parking lot. Have you got enough money to pay to get out?”

We started laughing. They were in a panic, but we knew we were where we needed to be. We told them the whole night was about going to the circus. It wasn’t about a fine dinner. They were speechless…then excited.

Barnum and Bailey never disappoint. There were the usual acts. Men in a cannon. Elephants. Clowns. Trapeze artists. Cotton candy. Twirling toy birds on a stick. The works. And like we thought, it was the last time the four of us went as a family.

I tell this story because so many times, I think I know where I’m supposed to be serving, or how much I’ve finally grown up, or how much I’ve studied and learned…and I’m not even close in estimating the truth of things. I don’t have a clue what Abba is really doing or where He is really taking me. I just thought I knew.

The truth is, a good Father is directing my steps and getting me where He intends me to be in all areas of my life. I’m really just going along with Him. But like our children that night, I’m much happier with His plan than my plan. He is always “more”. He is always “better”.

Consider the times you were so disappointed with an outcome, only to discover Abba did something more wonderful than you could ever imagine. He truly is working all things for our good and His Glory.

Don’t be disappointed.