The Playhouse

“I didn’t mean for it to work out this way,” Othel said in an apologizing tone as we spotted our seats.

“It’s okay,” I responded, hoping the sound of my voice backed my words. “Just one of those things.” Isn’t that what we say about life’s small glitches?

Othel had gotten information on tickets for Beauty and the Beast coming to the Ole Miss campus - the Disney version - the one that makes every little girl long to be Belle when she grows up. We immediately thought about Shields and Patton. Who better could appreciate the stage adaptation of one of their favorite Disney movies? Othel ordered four tickets early so we’d be sure of seating choices.

A few days later it dawned on me that Camea and CandyLee might be able to make a road trip to join us - if missing classes on Friday could be negotiated. So we extended the invitation and within two hours, classes had been negotiated. They were joining us!

Othel called for two more tickets. “Sorry, all sold out,” was the response on the phone - “except. . .” We could purchase two tickets in an “obstructed view” with one perk. They came at a discount.

Since we frowned on dropping off our four granddaughters to watch a two and a half hour production while we motored around the Square, Othel purchased the tickets. After a hasty dining experience and a brief stop at the candy shop, we hurried to the theater.

We ushered the girls to their four seats and were delighted to see them center stage on the fourth row. All four girls were sensing the excitement of being together at such a memorable evening but hated we couldn’t sit with them.

Othel and I said we’d see them at intermission and headed for our mystery seats. There they were - smack in the middle of the spacious lower level but immediately behind the control booth - the large, rambling control booth - manned by a wrestler-turned-technician who rolled periodically from left to right and back as he managed his field of switches. I looked at Othel and smiled - thankful our grands could be together for the evening and thankful there weren’t two technicians manning the giant boards.

Together we used our best posture and swayed with the technician to view a partially obstructed stage. The music reached us unobstructed, so I couldn’t complain.

At intermission we joined our girls, and they were swept into a Disney fantasy with the actors. Amid their reporting their “courtside” view, CandyLee and Camea whispered that there were two seats - together- immediately in front of them. Why couldn’t we use them?

Othel was quick to agree. I consented, too, knowing ticket holders seldom arrived that late. When the lights went down for the second act we were seated in great seats - no obstruction - with family in close proximity.

It was too neat - enjoying wonderful seats that we really hadn‘t purchased and moved from a place where our view was obstructed and separated from our family. But due to God’s providence we were “promoted,” seated with family and blessed with panoramic views. Sounds a lot like a mini-version of our salvation experience.

God’s Word is not an ancient manuscript. It comes alive everyday as we open our eyes to see His Hand moving in our lives.

I say to the LORD, “You are my LORD; all the good things I have come from you.” Psa 16:2.