NEEDLESS PAIN

Matthew 7:7-11(MSG)  “Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing. You’re at least decent to your own children. So don’t you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?

When I was in the sixth grade, we lived in Bloomington, Indiana.  My family moved there for a couple years while my father worked on his doctorate in music.  We lived in apartment 222 Campus View Apartments.

One day after school, I walked slowly home.  Down the asphalt path, then I stopped at our apartment to drop off my school books.

I looked up at the clock and noted that I only had twenty minutes to walk over to my appointment.  Oh dear.  I was going to the dreaded dentist.  And to top it off, I had to go today...all by myself!  Both Mom and Dad were working and could not get away.

So out the door and down the elevator I went.  It was only a ten minute walk from our apartments.  I arrived there early.  I remember my mom telling me that I was getting a tooth filled, and nothing more today.  We were on a strict budget while Dad studied at IU.  So, when the dental assistant asked if I was allergic to anything and wanted to give me a shot for pain, I told her my mom said just to fill my tooth and nothing more.

Actually, I was sort of relieved not to have that needle stuck into my gums, but I wondered about how bad the pain would be for my filling.  Oh well, I didn't want to disobey and money was tight, so there I went.

Well, I will spare you the ordeal.  As you can well imagine I had the worst time of my life.  It was the longest time filling a tooth that I think I have ever endured.  I returned home and told Mom about how bad it hurt and she looked at me and asked, "Why?  Didn't the shot work?"  

"Shot?  But you told me a filling and nothing more!"  I cried in disbelief.

"Christine, of course you could get a shot.  We wouldn't want you to be in pain."

Unbelievable!  What I went through, thinking I should not bother my parents. When all along I could have just told the nurse, sure give me the pain killer.  I felt so upset and so silly at the same time.

Now that I think about it, how many times do I choose to go through trials and tribulations trying to do it all on my own, when I could save myself a lot of pain by simply asking God for the wisdom, direction, or for whatever else I need.  

Why do we as humans deprive ourselves of giving the burden of our hearts, our minds, or emotions over to our faithful loving Father?

If you are struggling with a distressing situation in your life, do yourself a favor; take advantage of the greatest mind of the Universe.  He loves us and is thrilled to be asked for his advice and aid.  

Ask and you will receive an abundance of peace, joy, help, and love.  There is no sense in going through life suffering needless pain or stress when we have the resources of Heaven at our disposal.  ASK HIM TODAY.

THE GENTLEMAN

Psalm 23:6a (MSG) Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life.

Ten years ago my car broke down, during my lunch hour while I was on a quick and urgent errand.

Inservice served as a time for teachers to prepare with a vision for the new school year.  It also meant that I had an hour and a half off for lunch, so that gave me plenty of time to take a birthday cake and balloons over for my three year old's birthday.  

I was glad I had brought these cupcakes into the classroom where it was cool.  Even though it was a short drive from the middle school to the daycare, sweat beaded on my forehead before the A/C cooled the interior of my red Rodeo.

Turning onto Common Street and about to reach the drive of the daycare, my engine completely jolted and stopped.  I coasted off to the side of the road.  Turning the key, only to hear it click with no power, I realized the car was not going anywhere.

The sun beat its way until the inside was unbearable to remain there with doors and windows closed.  

And there I sat, wanting to cry like a little baby.  

This would have been bad enough on any ordinary day, but I felt rather emotional since I was due to receive a summons any day now, to stand in court and finalize a divorce for my fifteen year marriage.  

So, right now, I didn't have anyone that I could call on to come give me a lift. All I wanted was to enjoy a few important moments with my little guy before heading back to work.

I wrestled the balloons from the back of the Rodeo and out through the door, while balancing the little cakes. After locking the doors manually, I checked for traffic, then crossed the busy street.  

What a relief; I stalled right in front of Philip's daycare.  Even though I was feeling upset and emotional, it would've been much worse if the car had broken down even a mile away.

I whispered a prayer and thanked God for not disappointing this little guy, who waited expectantly inside his classroom for this little celebration and his treats to share.  After delivering the goods, I hugged my sweet boy on his way out to recess.

Now, I had time to make some phone calls.  One to work, next to the insurance company, and then I waited in air-conditioning for a tow-truck that would haul off my vehicle and take me back to school.

You know, at the end of the day when thinking over the day's events, I began to appreciate how well I was cared for.   

The treats arrived for his party on time and before the icing melted off the cup cakes.  

I waited for the service truck, safely, in air-conditioning. Also, I slipped back into my afternoon meetings, barely late due to the longer lunch break. 

After school, my insurance company of twenty years provided me with curbside service taking me to the rental company, so I picked up my son at the usual time.

Later, the dealership called me.  I hated to pick up the receiver.  I could not afford one more expense  after all that I had spent on school clothes, school supplies for my kids, and more money spent for my classroom and middle school students.

After the call, I hung my phone up in amazement.  There was a recall of Rodeos for faulty timing chains.  The timing chain was what broke and that meant that all my repairs would not cost me a dime!

This wasn't the end of it.  I really wanted a Toyota Corolla that was due back in the rental pool by the end of the day. 

But the Toyota was not returned. All that was left for me to drive was a small white pick up truck.  Now, did I look like the type of person who would want a pick up?  

A little disappointed at first, I drove off, but the next part was really special.  The antique dealer called to remind me that an antique desk I had on layaway was due for the last payment and asked if I could pick it up this Saturday. 

Grinning to myself, I realized that God knew exactly what He was doing.  I needed a truck this weekend after all.  Who would've known?  He knew.

That night, while my kids were visiting their dad, I went out to eat out with Connie, my friend, before our movie.  When I pulled into the lot by Mamacita's, I saw the lot was completely full.  But right when I was ready to drive down to the far end and walk, a car pulled out leaving the first spot open close to the front entrance of the restaurant.

I thanked God.  This was no accident.  He often did this when I needed to feel the kindness of a gentleman.  Every once in a while, right after a difficult scene, I would go for an errand and it never failed, the first parking spot would open up, reminding me that I was indeed his beloved and he reassured me of my value to him.

I thank God for being the constant in my life and for gently caring to use the smallest details to remind me he was there with me.

Yes, I slept like a baby that night.  It was easy. Tucked in and loved by the Gentleman in my life.