In a Galaxy Far, Far Away…
Lost and confused? Yes. In a galaxy far, far away, surrounded by Stormtroopers…
The faraway galaxy was only 3 1/2 hours from home in Birmingham, Alabama. But the rest of that statement is accurate.
There I was, with my seven-year-old daughter, lost, frustrated, late, and wondering if I had completely lost my marbles because Stormtroopers literally surrounded us in Alabama.
Fortunately, an employee noticed the panic on my face and offered assistance. Or perhaps she noticed McKinley approaching Stormtroopers, asking to see their light sabers… (That, my friends, could’ve been very bad.)
Anyway, the lovely lady gently explained that we wandered into some Comic Book convention. Things made much more sense!
No time for selfies!
As I wrestled McKinley with one arm because she was lunging at a very unfriendly Captain America, I calmly requested the employee – who was laughing hysterically at our expense – to point us in the right direction. And, of course, the right direction was precisely one city block over…
After convincing McKinley that we did not have time for selfies with the want-to-be Avengers, down the stairs, and out the doors, we went into the frigid January air.
By this time, McKinley was beyond annoyed because we had already walked about a mile.
Our hotel was 1/2 mile from the arena where McKinley was scheduled to join her team in a gymnastics competition. Being so close, you’d think I would be able to find my way FROM the hotel TO the arena. The hotel recommended I walk rather than drive because parking would be a nightmare. So, since the meet was not in a galaxy far, far away, McKinley and I buttoned our jackets and headed out the door.
Are We There Yet?
Fifteen minutes later, McKinley stopped, let go of my hand, and ever-so-dramatically said, “Mom, did you get us lost?” (No…I just took the Scenic Route!)
I dropped my head and looked at the GPS. “No. I know exactly where we are, McKinley. See this little arrow?” I pointed to my phone. She was not amused.
We turned around and walked back to the hotel. We were pressed for time, so I called an Uber. However, never having ubered before and being with my young daughter, I was a bit stressed.
What do Uber drivers look like? How do you know it’s him? Will he have a sign? More importantly, will he have random patches of facial hair and smell like liquor and Taco Bell?
A white car drove up and rolled down the window. “Did you call for an Uber?” He looked normal, and we were late, so into the car we went.
He drove us 1/2 mile down the street, turned right, then stopped. I looked to my left and saw a huge building that went on forever. “Here is the entrance.”
“Oh! Wow. We are here already!”
“Yes, Mom. See how easy that was?” I ignored McKinley’s unsolicited smart-mouth comment.
Mckinley and I got out and ran inside… Which is where I started today’s story.
I Want Daddy.
I saw the anxiety on McKinley’s face as we made our way down the sidewalk. “We’re almost there, Mickey,” I said, trying to smile. She frowned. “I wish Daddy was here. He could save us from being lost. And he could carry me the rest of the way.”
Uh-hum. Ouch. That hurt. I mean, sure, Daddy is better with a GPS, but geez, give a woman a break. “McKinley, we are here…or close to here. We’ll get there.” And we did.
Sure, we made a spectacle by running in and stripping McKinley’s clothes off at the ticket booth. Yes, all my stuff fell out of my bag as I searched for my wallet to pay the entry fee.
And…all the seats were taken, so I got stuck in overflow seating… Nevertheless, we made it! I considered that a win.
I sat down, spilling all my bags AGAIN. But never mind that. All I could think about was McKinley’s comment about wanting Alan.
I get it. Alan is strong and smart, and fun. He has a presence about him. McKinley wanted that presence in her moment of insecurity. I could soothe her and even make her laugh.
But only the presence of her daddy could make her feel that special kind of safe. Right now, McKinley felt like he was in a galaxy, far, far away.
He Could Save Us From Being Lost.
McKinley’s words ran through my head: “He could save us from being lost. And he could carry me the rest of the way.” Her words reminded me of how fortunate I am to have a heavenly father who is present.
Like McKinley, I fear; I feel vulnerable; uneasy when I’m away from God, my Abba. But unlike McKinley, who recognized her need for her dad’s strength and direction at that moment, I often don’t realize what would provide the security I lack.
Often, I try to fill that void with things. Things to numb the feelings of being afraid. Ultimately, things often increase my anxiety and perpetuate fear. It’s a cycle.
So here is my prayer today: Sometimes I feel like you’re in a galaxy far, far away. Remind me how close you are. May my first thought be of you, my Father, your strength and your power. Help me cry out to you and run to your open arms to feel secure. Thank you for your consistent presence — not just when I’m afraid — but even in my everyday life. And show me ways to tell others about you and how you love and protect your children. Amen.
