Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances
1 Thess 5:16-18
Wasn't the snow falling all day long so beautiful on Sunday.
The girls and I went to church, Michayla had spent the night and so she came too.
That afternoon My sister and I loaded up the kids and did a little Christmas shopping. I was even able to sneak in a gift for Abigail without her knowing.
The girls and I headed home to make dinner and wait for J to get home from his long 12 hour day of work. I pictured us all cuddled up watching a Christmas movie together.
But, as I pulled up to a red light, my car died. Died and would not restart. I tried multiple times, called my sister and then waited. I sat at the intersection with my hazards on. It was a little nerve racking, hoping no one would run into us. But there really was nothing I could do, I couldn't push the car myself. I sat there waiting and watching cars go around me or pull up next to me and then go when the light turned green. The girls wished J was with us. I did too. I assured them it was okay.
I pulled out my heavy coat and put it on. The car was already getting colder. I had also packed the girls heavy coats and had hats and gloves for them. If there is anything my parents drilled into my head it would be ... never leave the house without a winter coat, hat, gloves, boots and blanket. I think of that every time I'm packing up all we need to get out the door. My parents always told me to be prepared, you just never know. I hadn't worn my coat all day, I had a heavy sweater on but boy oh boy was I now glad that I had it.
Thankful.
One car did pull over and a women got out and came up to us. I opened the door and she asked if we were okay, she said she'd noticed I had kids in the back. I told I was okay and that my brother-in-law was on his way. She asked if she could do anything and I told her again that Mick should be here any minute. She then said, can I pray for you. I immediately started to cry. It wasn't that I was worried or scared or upset ... it was just such a blessing to hear a complete strange ask to pray for me. She asked me for my name and told the girls she'd pray for us. I was so glad that this women had listened to the Lord's prompting in her heart to pull over and check on us. (it makes me cry now as I write about it). After she prayed I told her I too was a believer and that her pray meant so much to me. She smiled. I got out of the car and that's when Mick showed up. He and another passerbyer pushed me around the corner into a bike lane and out of traffic.
Thankful.
I love that even in that moment of uncertainty the Lord was there. He made himself known to me. I was reminded that He loved me, and was taking care of me. It's not that I didn't know that or questioned it, but don't you just get some tiny goose bumps when you're reminded, even in the little things, that God is always there. That he orchestrated it all. All for some reason.
Thankful.
Maybe just maybe, it was to teach me or show me the importance of stopping to check on someone. Not just to the person broken down on the side of the road but what about when I think, I haven't talked to that friend in awhile I should call, or that voice that says, check on your neighbor, invite them over for dinner or the feeling that a church member just doesn't seem as chipper, I should say hi. I now see that I don't always listen to the Lords prompting in my heart but I should. I should stop. I should check. I should pray.
Thanks Mick and Annie for all your help! I love you guys and am so thankful for you!
