“What if?”

Many Indiana schools begin the school year in early August, so the teacher and parent Facebook posts remind me of the excitement of starting a new year and the classroom routines teachers establish in the first few weeks. One routine, practicing emergency drills, always elicits the “What if” questions. “What if we are in the bathroom and the fire alarm goes off? “What if the tornado AND fire alarm go off? Where do we go?” My answer, “What if an alien drops from the ceiling today?” usually ends this round of questioning with giggles and I direct the students to other activities. Later, in the teacher lounge, my colleagues and I compare notes and discover it to be a common line with younger students.

As we head closer to the August 15 move-in date of my parents to Waterford, our thoughts swirl with “What if?” questions. My mother, rapidly declining, could pass away soon, causing the “What if” questions to escalate.

“What if she passes away when Mitch is in India?” His maternal grandma passed away when he completing research in India many years ago. “What if she passes away when my niece has moved back to the university?” She moves to Tennessee next Monday. “What if she passes away when Chloe is in Ireland? She will be studying in Ireland for the semester. “What if she passes away before we move her to Waterford? Do we still move my father to Waterford? His long-term insurance is good for three years. My worst one is this: “What if I am doing errands when she passes away and I could have been right by her side?”These “what if” questions could consume our every thought if we allow it.

But then the words from this past week’s worship service remind me of God’s goodness. God knows the exact time when we enter and leave this life. Despite our sadness, we cling to the eternal hope we have in Him. He will work out the details in His perfect timing.