A couple weeks ago the girls and I drove to church in a light rain. Mark was a few minutes behind us, driving separately so he could help with tear down after service (our church meets in a school). As we pulled into the parking lot, I hesitated. How was I going to get the three of us inside without getting soaked?
Finally, I decided that a.) I really needed to buy one of those giant golf umbrellas and b.) I would park by the front door, run the girls in and then go back to park the car. Surely my seven-year-old could corral my one-year-old for the three minutes it would take me, right?
Heh. That was never going to happen, but it was the best plan I could come up with that morning. So I put the car in park and hustled the girls to the front door, scooting them inside as I rattled off directions: Just stand here. Hold your sister’s hand. I’ll be right back. No, stay here. I’m coming right back!
One of the door greeters — and a friend — said good morning right about then. He often looks amused as we bumble our way into church, one of us with crazy hair because she pulled out her ponytail again, one of us with tangled hair because she screams when I get close to her with a hairbrush, and one of us with wet hair . . . because who has time for a blow dry? But this week, the greeter simply smiled and said, “Do you want me to park your car?”
Limp with gratitude, I handed over my keys and stood with my antsy girls as he jogged through the drizzle to my car. In less time than it took me to smooth our hair and clothes, he was back. I thanked him and we were on our way.
When I got into my car after church that day, I looked at my clean floor mats and wondered if my friend had noticed how neat my car is. (Mark and I have an ongoing debate about the required level of cleanliness for a family vehicle.) (Because one of us is a nut about keeping a spotless car.) (It’s not me. In case you were confused.)
Then I turned the ignition and glanced at the dash, and I thought, “I sure am glad I had the radio on K-LOVE!”
As if my friend would have cared if I’d had the radio tuned to the pop station, like it so often is.
To read the rest of this story (I promise the cake part is coming!), join me at (in)courage.
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Loved this… Thank you for sharing this. I have had lots of those cakes, and BEEN that cake more then I care to admit.
I love this! And you made me giggle about the differing levels of car cleanliness. My hubby and I are exactly the same!
In answer to your ending question, yes, I have. Often. :/ Isn’t it great how kids can teach us about ourselves? And they don’t even know it usually; I feel like that’s God’s grace. I also need to get back to prayer and reading God’s Word faithfully. I don’t even have excuses for not — just laziness. :/
I know this isn’t the point of your story, but I would like to be more like that guy who parked your car for you. I have a coworker who is so quick to respond to needs of others. There is just no hesitation there. Me? So much hesitation that someone else steps in during that time or else the time runs out in some other way, so I don’t have to do it. I’m not sure what the barrier is — pride? Fear? Discomfort? Insecurity? Probably all of the above and then some. I just wonder how many chances God will give me when I ask for these opportunities and then don’t take them, before He finally gives up on me.
I’d like to be more like him, too. But I am pretty sure God has an infinite amount of chances for us. Grace again, you know?
I always love your writing, and this is especially beautiful! I love your honesty. And this is how I feel so very, very often. What a precious reminder. Thank you friend!!
Thank you for your kind words, friend! I’m glad this was encouraging to you!!