The marriage conference is one month away. Some days that bare fact is enough to elevate my blood pressure, wondering if I've remembered details like lining up babysitters, collecting raffle prizes, and reserving workshop spaces. The potential for mishap hangs over me like a hawk, perched to pounce when I least suspect it.

But then I recall a few of the less than ideal circumstances we have survived in the past. One year the power at my house went out for three days. I was hosting a friend who had flown in... for the conference. That was awkward. A different friend had plotted to serve me an elaborate celebratory breakfast that morning which he somehow did by candlelight on a camp stove. After seventy two hours of no power the house was cold. And a wreck. But with no light you couldn't see it.

Another year the kids were doing a project in the art room as part of the children's program and managed to trigger the microwave into full smoke production. The alarm sounded and the fire trucks arrived, sirens blaring even though the distance between them and us was six hundred yards as the crow flies. Dozens of coat less people stood in a snowbank until the chief gave the ok.

There was a year when the snowstorm hit the day before, and roads were plowed but my car got stuck racing home for more raffle tickets. A friend happened to drive by and dug me out. Or lent me her car, I can't quite remember. Another year three presenters bailed at the last minute. It created a domino effect of confusion that John dealt with. Sort of.

One time a presenter finished his well attended workshop and then headed to the hospital for an emergency procedure. That's dedication.

Last year we had a lovely dance by a young girl. Many people were teary but that is not a bad thing. 

If the conference is successful, and by that I mean able to serve people, it will be because Someone more capable than me is actually in charge.