There are a flow chart of steps that precede an event like the Marriage Conference. The date is still three months away, on February 8th, and yet for things to go smoothly there needs to be a pickle ball tournament of emails, and conversations between me and scores of other players. 

 

The main speakers have said yes. I am delighted to have a couple who are a vibrant image of partnership, willing to step in front of the microphones. I hope they will sing. 

 

Then there is the heartbeat of child care. In order to support families, their little ones deserve deep attention, and the woman who has agreed to that task is a true shepherdess. 

 

The classroom teachers who are gracious enough to share their physical space for workshops have said yes, and I am musing on ways to thank them. 

 

Meals are a crucial component, in that feeding marriage is as repetitive and potentially enjoyable as fine dining. The caterer is on board, though she won't start chopping for some time. 

 

Dear friends have already expressed their intention to give a workshop, and I trust that God is doing His part behind the scenes to inspire them. It seems to work that way. We say "Here I am, send me," to God, and He gives us the dialogue even as we begin walking. 

 

It is all a mystery to me, as much as the workings of my own stomach, and the shift in the oak tree outside my sewing room. Perhaps my ability to understand how it works is superfluous.