God Ruined My Date Night
by Hannah Keeley
My husband, Blair, surprised me by coming home early from work to take me out on a long overdue date night. We made a pact several years ago to always go on at least one date a week. But things had been so crazy with the kids’ after school activities, that we had skipped a couple weeks and now had to make things right.
We decided to head to one of our favorite haunts, Cracker Barrel. Okay, I know it’s not fancy, but I’m a southern girl and just can’t get enough of the good old south. There we were, staring into each other’s eyes over the flicker of an oil lamp when…
God had the audacity to butt in and interrupt everything. Okay, okay, He did have the mercy to let me finish my chocolate pecan pie; and for that I will be eternally grateful. If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly suggest you do so as soon as possible. It’s about as close to heaven as we can get here on earth.
So, anyway, here we were lingering at the Crack (code word for Cracker Barrel), when I looked over Blair’s shoulder and saw an older woman facing the wall and dining by herself.
That’s when I heard the Holy Spirit tell me to go over there.
To which I promptly responded, “Hmmm, this pie sure is good!”
Isn’t it funny how God ALWAYS tells us to do something that makes us feel either uncomfortable, scared, or foolish? Or sometimes a combination of all three?
He wouldn’t let up, so I prayed a prayer of discernment–“God, if this message is from you, then you know I will obey. Just let me know.”
To which He replied, “Of course it’s from me! Now get your tail over there!”
I shared with Blair, who has gotten quite used to these God invasions by now, and he said, “I’ll go pay the bill and smell some candles. You go do your stuff.”
I walked over there to compliment her on her ring (always looking for something to open the door) and then, as if the flood gates opened, she began pouring her heart out to me. Her mother had died recently and a day doesn’t go by when she doesn’t want to pick up the phone and give her a call. Her daughter was in and out of the hospital, fighting off a debilitating disease. And her sisters and brothers were all fighting over her parents’ estate. After we talked a while, I was able to pray with her and the look in her eyes was something I will not soon forget.
It was hope.
Have you seen that look in someone’s eyes lately? It’s so beautiful.
Listen to God today. Be willing to bend your plans to accommodate His. Be willing to feel scared or look foolish for His sake. Let Him ruin a date once in a while.
And if you’re blessed enough to have a mom who is alive and kicking, then give her a call today!
~ Hannah
Hannah Keeley was once in overwhelmed mom living in a cluttered house, deep in debt, out of shape, and barely hanging on. But one day, after finding herself sobbing uncontrollably into a pile of clean laundry, she realized God has bigger and better plans for her (just like He does for each one of His children). Beginning that day, she began making changes in her life that took her from overwhelmed to overjoyed. Today, she’s helping moms do the same. Hannah, her husband, Blair, and their seven children live in Richmond, Virginia, and are having the time of their lives!
