The blessing of time

I'm continually amazed by the way God answers my prayers, even though I often feel as though I am undeserving.

This week, my brother in Sioux Falls called me and asked if I wanted a ticket for his orchestra concert on Sunday. "Sure!" I said, not remembering that I had scheduled a youth group meeting for 7PM that night. About an hour later I checked my calendar and had to make sure the concert was early in the afternoon, which it was, so no problem.

Then, I decided that I wanted to bring treats to the youth group meeting. No big deal, if I would have only gotten my act together. Long story short, I didn't have anything together by the time I left for Sioux Falls on Sunday. No hot chocolate or cookies as I had promised... I was in trouble.

After the concert, I raced out to my car to find that it was exactly 5PM and it takes an hour and a half to get back to Sioux City, putting me in town at 6:30. Exactly one half hour before youth group. So I hit the road and said a little prayer that I'd have enough time to get everything done.

Lo and behold, halfway home I was ahead of schedule and it suddenly occurred to me that Panera Bread, which is halfway between my house and the church, caters. I looked up their number on my BlackBerry and asked if I could order hot chocolate and two dozen cookies. "We'll stick the cookies in the oven and they'll be ready to pick up in 45 minutes," said the assistant manager. To which I replied "You just made my day!". I got into Sioux City at 6:10, tore across town to my house, ran inside, changed my clothes, got my books, ran back to my car and drove to Panera just as the cookies were coming out of the oven. I made it to the church with 20 minutes to spare.

It was all my fault that I wasn't ready when I left for Sioux Falls yesterday. Last night should have gone down in flames for me, but one prayer changed the course of the entire night. God is so good to me. Especially when I don't deserve it. Last night's meeting was great, I met some really nice kids who are genuinely interested in fellowship through faith, so I'm excited for what's to come, challenges and all.

I'm still looking for a job... hoping to find one I enjoy soon...