ann kiemel

it was the craziest thing.

how it happened.  like so many

moments in my life.

my first night home from dallas and brock's and my

incredible time together.  maybe 3 a.m., and

i fly out of bed to go to the bathroom.  so tired,

and suddenly crashing into something (my eyes were

still closed with sleep).  crawled back into bed, and

didn't know until morning that the metal in the lamp

by my bed was completely bent, and the left side of my

rib cage was stabbing me with terrible pain.

in the mirror, i saw that my right arm was covered

in bruises and scratches.  can you believe this?  it's

completely different, but sort of like being hauled off to

jail with a dui when i can't even stand the smell of al-

cohol.  these "happenings" lead me to places i've never

visited before.

after five days of horrible pain, i pick up

an order from my doctor to get x-rayed.  i'm lazy with

things like this.  going clear to the hospital.  finding

the x-ray dept.. putting on a little, almost nothing

gown.  all of it an irritation and intrusion. 

at the desk where i am processed, a lady begins to

type my info. on a  form.   i had no idea that my

vocation is listed on all my paperwork,

and says i am a self-employed writer.

"what kind of books do you write?"

i smile.  i never feel comfortable talking about my

writing.  but i tell her the books are about the journeys of

my life.  and how Jesus helps me....and others can relate

because life is life for ALL of us.  that we are ALL broken,

and need the Lord.

she stops typing.  removes her glasses, and looks at me.

"my mother was diagnosed with cancer the first of march, and

six days later, died.  she was thrilled she was headed for Heaven

sometime soon.  but i'm still not comprehending why a

loving God would do this.  would take her and leave me here

to suffer such a loss."

"well," i say.  "now i know why i am here today.  it is NOT

about x-rays and a fractured rib.  i was personally sent,

by God, to comfort you.  to tell you that He is with you through

this enormous loss.  that you are not overlooked in the crowds of

millions.  the God of the universe cares and has plans to turn this

loss into something beautiful."

Jesus is meticulous when it comes to His children.

always watching.  comforting.  assisting.  like the gush

of racing waters, so is His passion to lead us to higher places.

the next time you have an unwanted interruption in your life,

be ready for God's next assignment in your neighborhood.

it's called ADVENTURE!