When Fashionista's work shift began at 7 p.m., I knew not to expect her home too early. After all, the Mostly Strapless and See-Through Teensy Clothing Shop where she works closes at 9 p.m. on Wednesdays. She'd been employed for a special cleaning assignment; inspectors were arriving on Thursday. But when it got to be 2:15 a.m., the butterflies in my stomach were in full flight.I texted her "Where r u?" No reply. I sat on the porch swing. No headlights came swinging around the corner. None.
At 3:30 a.m. I woke I.T.. "Fash isn't home," I said. "Okay," he snored.
Okay nothing. At 4:00 a.m. I texted her "It's 4am. What on earth! I'm frantic! CALL ME!" But I know she isn't allowed to have her phone on while working. There was no reply.
Now words like kidnapped were playing in my mind...
I phoned mall security, "My daughter has never been this late before, can you check the parking lot!? She works at the Mostly Strapless and See-Through Teensy Clothing Shop?! IS ANYONE THERE?!?!?!"
I hoped the guy on the other end of the line had a gun and was ready and eager to dispatch "calling all cars","Where does she usually park, ma'am. Oh. The Mostly Strapless and See-Through Teensy Clothing Shop? Yes ma'am, they are still working in there?"
At 6 AM, for crying out loud, my cell phone rang, "Sorry mom, we're rearranging the entire store. Mom...mom...sorry... I'm sorry, mom. It takes a long time. Done? I dunno. The store opens at 10 a.m., I guess we'll be done by then...."
Good grief. I'm thankful she is safe. I hope she gets home soon, I haven't slept yet.
At the end of the day, or in the middle of the night, absolutely, beyond a shadow of a doubt, I know that I know that I know that I know- that God is in control. He brought the entire world into being and he does what he does without consulting me (thank goodness). I trust him. I do. And I hope and believe that come what may, I will keep on trusting him for better or worse; that is what faith requires. I am persuaded that his love for me is far greater than my comprehension. I know he is for me and not against me, because the Bible tells me so. And I know that one day we will meet face to face (and maybe I will ask him a million questions or maybe I won't feel the need to anymore).
In the meantime...
I will call mall security, phone the National Guard and get the information security specialists from as far away as San Diego up here, if I must- to bring that Fashionista safely home!
Sometimes being a mother means a long third shift.
More Thankful Thursday posts at Greg's General Store.
