Donuts and Keys

by Macy Johnson

“A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”

(Ecclesiastes 3:4 NIV)

On February 17, 2017, my husband and I drove from Georgia to North Carolina to celebrate our grandson’s birth.

When we arrived at the hospital entrance, our son-in-law appeared at the double doors. I rode the elevator up to our daughter’s room, while the men drove to Hole Doughnuts for celebration delicacies.

Settled in a comfy chair, I glanced out the window as tiny Carver slumbered softly in my arms. The serene, peaceful view over Asheville toward Biltmore gardens glistened in the early morning sun.

Ring… ring… ring… my cell phone interrupted.

“I turned off the car and it won’t start! YOU have the keys!” my husband, Jeff, exclaimed.

At first I thought, Oh no! Must I leave now? They are grown men and can figure out a way to come get the keys.

But, after a second call from my exasperated husband, I turned to my daughter, cozily propped up in her hospital bed, and whispered, “They need my car keys.”

I gingerly handed Libby her sweet baby boy, grabbed my purse, and hurried down to the hospital’s reception desk. After a brief taxi ride, I located Jeff and John, cold and despondent, slouched over on the curb, with an almost-empty donut box. We shared a few cheers and some sugar-induced laughter with the driver before paying him and heading back to the hospital festivities.

I learned two important lessons that day: Don’t hesitate to put the needs of others first! And always, always make sure car keys stay with the car while it’s on! Don’t you love the way our heavenly Father gets our attention?

I will pay close consideration to what is needed around me today. I hope you will, too!