Today was one of those days where everything made sense, once again. It was a day filled with non-coincidences (meaning that God was clearly at work because there’s just no way it all randomly happened) that confirmed my calling and purpose.

Today was a vivid reminder of this verse:

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. – Romans 8:28

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It all started yesterday, when I spoke at the Capitol for the Newborn Screening Awareness event. After the event, I was speaking with legislative staffers who have helped me every step of the way with moving this bill forward, and I learned that just because our bill passed (unanimously) out of committee last week doesn’t mean that it will go to the floor for a vote.  I was stunned, but not dismayed. I asked what I needed to do to move it forward and they suggested that I go to the offices of the Speaker of the House and the House Majority Leader to speak with them (or their staff) about the bill.

I “just happened” to still have two copies of the lobbying packet I had assembled months ago in my portfolio. Brennan “just happened” to be home with the boys so I had time.

So, my friend, Ashley, and I went to the Speaker of the House’s office and as we were speaking with his secretary, a man came up and was listening. He said he’d love to know more about what we were discussing and it turns out that he is the policy advisor to the Speaker (which means he can get things done!). He was very interested in the bill and in our stories, which was so encouraging.

I followed up with him via email that afternoon, and when he responded he asked if I could come for a meeting TODAY. He said he thought I deserved more than the two minutes we had together to better inform him on the bill and the current status of Newborn Screening in Pennsylvania.

Wow.

So, this morning, he asked if I could come at noon, and I went. I rushed home from MomsConnect, changed clothes, and headed to Harrisburg.

Brennan “just so happened” to be off today (for his birthday) so I didn’t have to take the boys with me, which was a blessing.

The meeting was incredibly insightful and he gave me some “homework” that will make the case for the bill even stronger as we move it forward. He offered such wisdom and practical steps to take, and I am so grateful for those 45 minutes.

He didn’t have to take the time to listen to me, or help me. But, he did.

And it was exhilarating. 

I may not desire to be in politics as a career anymore, but that fire is still within me. I so enjoyed the last two days of actually being able to work to move this bill forward. I love learning more about the process and making progress.

But, most of all, I love seeing the hand of God at work in my life, and seeing how it all fits together. 

• Almost twenty years ago, I decided that I wanted to be a lobbyist.
• Eighteen years ago, I interned in Sacramento with a lobbyist.
• Fourteen years ago, I graduated with a political science degree.
• Eleven years ago, I moved to PA and worked for a lobbying firm (but wasn’t passionate about the subject matter).
• Eleven years ago, one of my bosses took the time to mentor me on lobbying and Pennsylvania politics (and still gives advice today).
• Ten years ago, I decided that I hated politics and didn’t want to lobby.
• Almost five years ago, Tori was diagnosed with Krabbe, and I learned about the need for someone to fight for NBS in Pennsylvania. I knew this was my calling. There was no denying it.

I pray that you have moments like this, moments where you can look back and with clarity see why God allowed some of the things you have experienced.

I never dreamed twenty years ago that I would someday be lobbying for Newborn Screening in Pennsylvania because my daughter died, but now, I can’t imagine doing anything else. I know that I have had this training, these experiences, to prepare me for this work, and I’m ready to work.

God is so good, and faithful, and sovereign. Always.