“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9

We BOTH needed a vacation, some time alone with just the 2 of us, where we could relax and enjoy each other. When Katie told me a month ago that she didn’t have to work on Presidents Day, I did what I usually do and forgot about it. Two days before, I remembered, which sent me scrambling! I needed to make reservations FAST!

My sons are in the business of shipping in Tampa. So when I asked Colt His recommendation for a hotel, he gave me one. In my search, I also found an advertisement for a dinner cruise. When I asked both sons what they thought about it, I received 2 thumbs up… then a phone call from Clint.

When Clint calls, there’s usually an interesting story to follow. He told me to pay particular attention, once I got on board the dinner cruise, and to look across the channel. As a Harbor Pilot, he had JUST docked THAT ship not 30 minutes before! With all the ships and ports in Tampa, what were the odds we’d see his handiwork RIGHT THERE, as our first time?

As with many things in life, our trip started off with the credit card smoking! Had I planned ahead, I may have been able to save some money. But it was too late now! As we drove to Tampa, ‘go for it’ was all I heard my heart say. Valet, meals, snacks and tips only climbed the number and made the card hotter! When the total hit close to $1000, Katie said, “let’s just get a souvenir and guarantee we hit that number!” SO we did!

All in all, it was a PERFECT 30 hours to relax and unwind. Every time I’d get lost in a downtown area, we’d find a fun destination to explore. When we left Tampa to head home, we ended up somewhere in St. Petersburg for a lunch that was ABSOLUTELY PERFECT. It was there we found the ‘one of a kind,’ God given, PERFECT souvenir! AND hit the $1000 mark!

Wherever Katie and I go, Jesus is there! If He isn’t, we bring Him along! In times of difficulty, when work and life get intense, we rely on Him to cut a path before us. We don’t take steps without Him. When it comes to money, He owns everything of ours. So we BOTH felt a little guilty for WASTING that much money in 1 day… perfect as it was.

We were almost home when Katie made a gasping kind of sound. Looking at her, she was smiling. She had just remembered that she was going to be receiving, ANY DAY NOW, a check from the State of Florida because, as a Teacher, she had WORKED when other schools had shut down during the pandemic! She then asked, “Do you know how much the check is for?”

God Promised to care for and provide for us when we walk and trust in Him. I felt a little ashamed because I don’t usually expect such lavish care. We are both in His debt and service is what we give. NOT EXPECTING, like the ship my son docked, to see HIS Handiwork of blessing right in front of us. Pointing to the ship I told everyone in my vicinity, “MY SON put that there!” Just like I tell folks about the goodness of the God I serve!

What kind of course are YOU on and how has God blessed YOU?