At 5 o’clock in the morning the silence awoke me. No ceiling fan whir, no hum of the computer at my desk in my bedroom, and no whoosh of the AC unit. Outside my apartment window the world was pitch black, which is unusual since the grounds are usually lit up like a Christmas tree year round. Power outage. So, I went back to sleep lulled by the soft rain and occasional rumble of thunder. It was a long overdue, deeply peaceful and restful snooze. When I awoke and looked at my cell phone. It was 9:10 am!
Still no power. That meant no coffee, no hot shower, no computer. Besides, my garage under my apartment wouldn’t open (the red emergency cord which dangled over the hood of my car had been long since demolished by my playful cat.) The security gates would be stuck closed until maintenance came on duty at noon. Worst yet, I had forgotten to plug in my cell phone so it was a beat away from dead. I couldn’t call someone to come take me to church. The rain was falling harder, in dark sheets against a darkened sky back-lit by white flashes of lightening.
I sat at my desk. My routine was disturbed. How could I do my Bible time and devos? I am so used to looking up my Bible passages on my computer and smart phone, I almost forgot my trusty study Bible perched on the corner of my desk. I am so accustomed to pecking away on a keyboard, I forgot the paper and pens in my desk drawer. I had to laugh at how “techie” I had become.
At 10:30 there was a varoosh. The computer came on. Every clock in the house blinked 12:00. Power! The late service began at 11:15. I dashed into the bathroom and prayed for any trickle of warm water from the shower, and got it. After a three minute shower, slapped on eye makeup, hair pulled back, and dress pulled on, I was out the door and in my car. Even in the rain I made the usual twenty minute trek with three minutes to spare. Miracle one.
Miracle two. The church service was for me alone. I am totally convinced of that. As I rushed in the door and shook my umbrella, several people leaving the first service commented how much they loved my devos. I had forgotten that today’s weekly insert was one I had written for a national organization which supplies them for church bulletins (Bible Reading Fellowship). I am one of about 45 writers.
Then, the sermon reading happened to be on the passage in Philippians I have based my novel Focused on, which is almost through the publishing process at long last. I’d just approved the first draft of the front and back covers. It feels like I am in the last trimester of giving birth!
Lastly, the hymn we sang during the offering was my all time, get-teary-eyed-each-time-I-hear-it favorite.
I emerged, my spirit lifted. God knew I needed to be in services today. It was if He planned it all just for me. Today was my Sunday. I am still at a loss as to why, but I was lavished in His blessings as a spoiled child surrounded by way too many birthday presents. How special to be given such special treatment by my Heavenly Father.
It made me ponder. Perhaps each day is like that, just not so blatantly obvious. Each morning I have breath and a heart beat, by His grace. Each morning His mercies are new. Each day I am surrounded by the beauty of His creation and His word in more sources and forms than ever before possible in the history of human beings.
Another analogy occurred to me. Even when I don’t “see” evidence of His power in my life, He has given me tried and true resources to keep me going in the meantime. And, once I do notice evidence of His power again, it makes that even more special and precious.
Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so deeply You even take care of the smallest of details in our lives. Forgive me for not always noticing Your touch in my day. Thank You for my special Sunday, and for what it celebrates – Your Son’s victory over sin and death. Help me to be more thankful and cognitive of Your blessings in my life. Let me always see Your Power in my day, even when it seems to be void of it. Occasionally mix up my routine so I am more aware of Your presence and my senses not dulled to Your everyday blessings. Amen.
