February, as seen in various ways

Water and sun, where I don't live, circa 7:00 am

I might not have mentioned, but I went to Florida recently.  It was sunny (mostly) and warm (actually).  When I came home it was a February record-breaking 66 degrees, but the weather has gotten decidedly more February-ish in the weeks since.  For instance, the above photo was taken at the beach in Florida, the below picture is a photo I snapped at work this morning.  Same time, two weeks, and about six states lay between the beach and the snow.

Honestly, I loved the beach.  It was delightful.  But the winter has its charms.  It's beautiful, for one.  It gives me a chance to wear all of my cute boots, for another.  And there's always that winter reminder that when it's done we get sunshine, and flowers, and birds, and a fresh perspective on life in general.  Winter serves a certain purpose, as far as I'm concerned.  So I won't complain.  It might not be sand between the toes or sun on my face (no, really, we don't get sun in the winter here), but it's a promise hidden beneath piles of frozen dihydrogen oxide, and an excuse to look at everything in ways I've never had the chance before.  I'll take it.

Snow, where I live, circa 7:00 am

Intersections, a sequel of sorts

A few weeks ago I wrote about a young woman I know with four children, for whom I pray, with whom I'd lost contact.  I got a single comment on the blog post, reminding me to pray, reminding me that it's worth it to pray.

I had been praying for this young woman, and thinking enough about her to merit a blog post, but that comment spurned me on to pray more specifically.  More specifically that I'd be able to get back in contact with this young woman.  More specifically that I'd be able to be a part of their lives again, that the Word of God could once again have entrance into their home, perhaps by way of the Sunday School paper, or a calendar.

This past Saturday, I was busy.  My grandma's doing poorly, I had a babysitting gig, things felt hectic, but I'd been away and decided it really was high time I visited around my Sunday School neighborhood.  I arrived to my usual houses and the first person I saw, out playing on the lawn, was her little six-year-old boy.  I got out of my car, at least 90% sure that I was seeing things, but he came running up to me.  "Miss Joanne, Miss Joanne!"  His older sister (but not the oldest, who was with her grandma) came up, a boundless ball of seven-year-old energy.  "We miss you!"

Many hugs ensued.  "I've missed you, too."

Here, right in front of me, was an answer to a prayer I'd been praying.  I had been praying, but honestly, until I saw their happy little faces, right in front of me, it didn't cross my mind that I really hadn't exhibited a lot of faith in my prayers.  Did I think I could get back in contact with them?  Yeah, I mean, I guess so.  Did I firmly believe it?  No.

Their mom was in one of the apartments, getting water.  When she came out I gave her a big hug.  I'd really, really missed her.  She had the baby with her--a beautiful little boy named Anton Jr.  He's perfect.  We didn't talk much, my friend and I, but I got her new number and she said I could stop by their new place sometime.  I played tag with the two little ones for a few minutes, by which time she'd packed up the baby in the car and was ready to go.

I stood in the parking lot, waving them away.  The wind was slightly biting, so as soon as they were gone I carried on, but you have to understand, my smile was brighter,  my steps were lighter.  The Lord showed me, in this small but incredible way, that of COURSE He's able.  The fact that she and I overlapped by probably only ten minutes, on a day where I had enough going on that my schedule was so unpredictable, is such a little picture to me of how the Lord orchestrates everything.

So if you're praying for something, for someone, keep at it.  If you're praying for a single mother of two who recently had a birthday, keep at it.  If you have a broken heart, keep praying for grace.  If you know someone who is still lost in their sins, keep praying for their salvation.  If you know someone who's in over their heads, keep praying for them to seek out the Lord in their depths.  If you know someone who daily is choosing to reject this world and choose Jesus, keep praying that they might continue to train their eyes on Him and Him alone.  If you know a broken family, pray for healing.  If you know of someone who has a big decision coming up, pray for wisdom.

The Lord our God is able.  He is mighty to save, and His grace is sufficient for all of our needs.  His mercies, which are new every morning, are available for us.  May we daily seek Him, may we daily make our requests made known until God.  He's got this.