Lent 2009 Day 5

I know it's day 5 but I want to share something that happened on day 3 with you. I'm still kind of in awe of it *still*.

As you well know, I had a rough time of it a couple days ago. I lamented how I need a new washer (have for a year), a lawnmower yada, yada, yada. So, I decided to go to Lowe's to see if I can get a washer, dryer and a lawnmower. On the way in I said two Hail Mary's and *reminded* God of His promise to take care of me.

So, I go in and not too soon later, I walked out without a washer, dryer, or lawnmower. A little bummed, I called one of my bff's and I said "God has a plan,and I'm going with that."

I called my dad. We've been talking every couple weeks lately. I told him about my new job of which he was a little concerned. I told him I got a good bill of health from the doctors and that almost 40 isn't that old (apparently 40 is the new 30 I was told this at crhp yesterday!!!). He was genuinely concerned and that was lovely. In passing, I mentioned the washer, dryer, and lawnmower.

Later in the day, Dad and Sarah called and I was unavailable. So, I called back and talked to both of them. They wanted to know what was closer to me, Frisco, Plano, or Richardson. So, I said 'Plano'. They said, they wanted me to go to Sears and Plano and look at the Kenmore 500. They wanted to get us a washer! Dad told Sarah about my second job and everything. Sarah told Dad in no uncertain terms that as a mom of 3, I cannot be without a washer and I need a heavy duty one.

I of course thanked them profusely and we hung up. I was so shocked I had a mini panic attack. So, I go to Sears and get a washer! Get it home (yea mini van!) and my husband, *my husband* who is uncomfortable doing any home repairs installed the washer!!!!

Now, as I'm standing in Sears with my son, I am in awe of God. He met my need. He kept His promise. I went to Lowe's and wanted a front loader with bells and whistles. God says no. James and I sang the Rolling Stone's You Can't Always Get What You Want (but if you try sometimes you just might find, you get what you need). God didn't give me what I wanted, He gave me what I needed! And, He used my Dad and Sarah to do this.

This is amazing to me. My Dad, whom 11 years ago had the utilities turned off while I was a single mom living in his house with my mom (he had moved out at that point), my dad whom during the two previous layoffs was nowhere to be found, my dad. My Dad!!! It's not about the washer. It's about my dad and Sarah. It's about their compassion, their love. It's about God keeping His promise amidst all the turmoil that has been engulfing me as of late. It was a reminder that He hears me. That He'll never forget me, and that this walk I am on with Him, is for a purpose.

You cannot tell me there is no God. You can't. He is keeping His promises. His way. Not mine. He so rocks! I don't think I'll ever stop being in awe of Him, and truth is I don't ever want to.

And look at all He's done...five years ago, I had no relationship with my dad or my sister. Now, they both actively call *me*. My sister Tina and I are pretty close, we're working on it. And my dad...we are constantly a work in progress, but you know what? He loves me. Maybe not the way I wanted or needed him too, but he loves me and in the grand scheme of things, I think that rocks!

Until next time,
say a prayer of thanksgiving for my dad and Sarah

Love,
Me