I was always one of those kids who never wanted to miss out on anything. I never wanted to forget my homework, never wanted to forget my library books and most importantly...I NEVER wanted to forget my recorder. I'm talking about that plastic instrument everyone has to play at some time or another during their elementary school music career. To forget your recorder on 'music day' was the worst. You had to sit down while everyone else stood up and squeaked through "twinkle twinkle little star" or "hot cross buns."
Well one evening when I was in the 3rd grade as my bedtime approached it hit me that I had music the next day and I needed to put my recorder in my book bag. I searched my room, the kitchen, the living room, my parents' bedroom, downstairs in the den, the playroom, the game room and even all of the bathrooms...I couldn't find it!!! I ran up and down the stairs looking everywhere for my recorder. My father (daddy is what I still call him) was downstairs watching television as I frantically looked everywhere for my recorder. By this time my bed time had come and gone and I was still looking. "Go to bed Taryn" said daddy. "But I can't find my recorder and I have music tomorrow!!" "Go to bed Taryn, you won't go to school without your recorder" he said. "But Daddy, I can't find it anywhere!!" "Go TO BED TARYN! I will find it!" For some reason, my 8 year-old mind could not comprehend going to bed without my recorder in my book bag or or that my dad could actually find it. Daddy didn't know where to look! He obviously didn't know how important it was to show up to music class prepared (He was only in charge of an entire steel manufacturing plant and a family).
So....I went to bed with a heavy heart and a worried mind. I did not have my recorder...I did not have my recorder! Well somehow I got to sleep that night, and wouldn't you know it - when I woke up the next morning my recorder was right next to my book bag!!!! I didn't hear him come in my room that night and he had already left for work by the time I got up. Isn't that just like God? He works continuously on our behalf without us even knowing it and a lot of times things are taken care of right before we need it; not always coming when we want Him, but always right on time.
As I sit here over 20 years later, that night still feels as fresh as last night. I'm constantly reminded of how important it is sometimes to just go to bed and let God do the rest. Many of you know how much of a daddy's girl I am. Well it's true...and it is that way for good reason...he has always been there for me, supported me and never let me forget what is important in life - but most importantly; he taught me how to be a Daddy's Girl for God. He, along with my mother (mama) taught me the importance of faith and of knowing that once you've done all you can - you need to just pray...and go to bed. Thank you daddy for introducing me to the most important relationship in my life - oh and also for finding my recorder...
Sweet Dreams Everybody
