Sheri Salter Lilley Class of 1983

4/17/2017

Sheri Lilley

But as spring 2001 approached, I knew I needed to choose a pre-kindergarten for Patrick. With his father living in Utah, I was concerned about who could pick Patrick up if I had to work late. I prayed and considered several options. In the end, it seemed best to register him at the private school my nieces attended. If I had to work late, my sister-in-law could pick Patrick up. It was a logical and obvious decision – or so I thought.

After submitting his registration, I received a letter that he had been placed on the wait list. Still confident that this school was God’s will for Patrick, I prayed and waited. As days turned into weeks, my anxiety grew. I continued to pray…until I finally received God’s message. We’ve all heard sermons about how God answers prayers: Yes, No, Wait. This was beginning to feel more like “No” than “Wait.”

I had been very stubborn and determined to pursue what I felt was the right choice. But after I finally heard God speaking to me, it became clear that Calvary was God’s will for Patrick. I had attended Calvary, as had my brother. My mother taught kindergarten at Calvary for many years and my father was a deacon in the church. I felt such peace and immediately went to the Day School Office to register Patrick. Ralph Finnegan walked out of office and hugged me, while saying, “What took you so long?”

In retrospect, I can’t believe I ever considered another school for Patrick. Over the years, God reinforced his message to me, time and again. On Back to School night in his pre-kindergarten class, I looked around the room and saw many parents with whom I had grown up. What a blessing that my son could know the children of my friends and be raised in such a family environment.

About 5 years after Patrick began pre-kindergarten at Calvary, my nieces transferred from the other school. Needless to say, my parents were thrilled to have all their grandchildren at our beloved Calvary.

When asked for my favorite Bible verse, I’ve always quoted Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His Purpose.” In this situation, again, God demonstrated clearly his love and provision when I seek His will.

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