Sparrow

“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs on your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7
 
      Disappointment riddled Sweet Pea. Her dance camp was cancelled.
     “I was looking forward to it!” she mourned. Her little mouth drooped. I looked down at my little girl.
     “I’m sorry,” I said, placing a hand on her shoulder, “But we can pray God will provide an even better alternative.” Sweet Pea nodded her head in agreement. But discouraged lines painted her face. At bedtime prayers, Sweet Pea voiced her plea.

     “…And please God, will You provide a better option than dance camp.” My heart went out to her. The ballet shoes and tights had been purchased the prior day. Even a light blue leotard hung on a hanger in her closet. Its flouncy skirt thrilled my little girl to no end. Her dreams of dancing like a ballerina were crushed.
     Monday dawned with disappointment. Sweet Pea moped.

     “Mommy, I wish the dance camp wasn’t cancelled.” Her brown eyes worried. “Do you think God will provide something else?” Her small hand tugged at my own.

     “I hope so,” I pointed at my husband. His fingers tapped on a keyboard. “Daddy is looking for other camps or classes.” But despite an extensive search, nothing materialized. We muddled through the day, finding things to do. But when Tuesday rolled along, Sweet Pea still voiced her hope.

     “I don’t know, Sweetheart…” I had looked into pottery painting studios as a potential, even kayaking and paddle boarding. But before exploring this potential, I had a friend to visit in the neighborhood.

     Two months prior, my paths crossed with a woman at our neighborhood. With a daughter one year older than my own along with the discovery of our shared faith, we had been excited to get to know each other. Our girls enjoyed playing together and shared similar interests. We, moms, likewise did as well.

     But when Sweet Pea and I arrived, we learned my friend’s daughter was not home as hoped. Instead, she was attending a baking camp. I had looked into the same camp for Sweet Pea. The camp would have been ideal for Sweet Pea and an area of great interest for her,  but it had been full with a long wait list. So I had disregarded it from my thoughts…until now.

     As we left my friend’s house, I pulled out my phone on a whim.
     “What are you doing, Mommy?” inquired Sweet Pea. Her curious eyes watched me.
     “It never hurts to ask,” I answered, ascertaining a phone number from the web. Sweet Pea’s eyes widened.

          “Hello, do you have any last-minute openings for the camp this week?” I was certain of the answer. Afterall, today was day two of the coveted baking camp. The woman paused on the other side of the line.

     “Actually, yes.” My mouth dropped open. Incredulity intermingled with hope.

     “Really,” My voice scaled. Sweet Pea tightened her grip on me. She bounced impatiently for the news.

     “A little girl didn’t feel well yesterday. Her parents hoped she would feel better to attend today,” explained the woman, “but she woke up with a fever. So yes, if you want the spot, it is yours.”

     “Thank you!” I gushed, “Yes! We’ll have her here tomorrow!” Then a thought flashed. It was not yet eleven o’clock…Could I? I gathered my courage.

     “Can my daughter attend what is left of today’s class?” Sweet Pea hopped up and down. She could not contain her excitement. Thoughtful silence filled the phone line. I held my breath. How nice it would be for Sweet Pea to join and learn the routine on the second day as opposed to halfway through the week.

     “She can be dropped off at noon,” came the answer, “then she can finish out the rest of the week.”
     I thanked the voice on the other line profusely. But one more thing first needed done.

     “Let me check with my husband. I’ll call you right back.” I hung up and Sweet Pea squealed. A huge smile split her face. She bounced with every step.

     “Can I go? Can I go? This is so much better than dance camp!” Laughter bubbled from my insides. My own grin stretched wide.

     “I hope so! Let’s get home to Daddy.” With sweat dripping, we raced home with the exciting news.
     Sweet Pea burst through the door with me at her heels. Breathless, we shared the news.

     “Can I go?” Sweet Pea asked, jumping up and down. My husband smiled.
    “Yes!” Sweet Pea thew up her arms and yelled, “Thank You, God!”

     She danced around the room. Joy radiated from every pore. My husband and I grinned at each other. We soaked in her exuberance and basked in the delight of God’s goodness.

     “Praise God,” shouted my little girl. And praise God, indeed! For this had already been a week of seeking, waiting, and inquiring of the Lord. My spirit needed refreshed and encouraged. And to see Him care about a child’s heartfelt plea, filled me with the deep assurance of God’s faithful care. Yet to witness God moving beyond answered prayer to an answer far above what we hoped or imagined, ministered to my parched places. we asked or imagined. Witnessing God and His goodness work In my little girl’s life gave a tangible reminder of God’s faithful care over his precious children. It reminded me of the Hope we have in Jesus Christ. I needed to know He cared. I needed to know we were not forgotten. And to see God care for my sparrow of a little girl confirmed His watched care and love over me.

     In a season where I’ve needed to cling to Jesus, this answer to prayer testified of His goodness, faithfulness, and love. Its re-infused hope and ministered joy. For God delights in giving good things. But most of all, when we encounter the God of love, we are filled to overflowing. Dear friends and fellow parents, hold tight to the promise that He can do more than what we ask or imagine in His power and strength. Fear not, for God cares for each one far more than the sparrows of the fields. His love for us is higher, deeper, or wider than anything we could imagine. For God is love and He is with you.