Church

Hang on! This post is not about a rectangular building called church. But it’s about the amazing way God works in the lives of our loved ones, even when we’re not aware of it.

Tom and I are in the “lifestyles” class at church. There are about 20 of us from about 45 to 65 years of age. It’s a great class for prayer support and discussing the scriptures and how they apply to our lives. While we are there, Dylan meets with fellow high school students. Afterwards, a few hundred people break from their smaller groups and attend our main church service.

Tom and Dylan usually skip the larger event and come home, and I often stay. But today I came home—because I felt restless. Last night Cody called from his place—still fighting fever and the shakes. So I brought him some things to drink…I walked up the driveway in the dark. I had never been inside his place before. He rents a room in a small house that has been renovated into 3 or 4 bedrooms, one shared bath and a shared kitchen. (No living room). There are other male tenants of multiple ages—all older than Cody.

The property manager is a very strict middle-aged woman who likes everything extremely neat. There are signs everywhere with instructions like “Do not leave water drops in the sink or around the sink.” and “Wash and put away your dishes—if they are left out, they’ll be removed.” “Don’t leave the heat on or you’ll be charged for it.” “Only put magazines in this trash can—no other trash!” She comes by everyday to inspect the kitchen, bath, and yard.

It was 6:30 p.m. and dark when I walked down the driveway, stepped over the “no trespassing” chain, walked under the property manager’s video surveillance camera and turned the handle on the back door. It was open. I stepped into the kitchen. I saw Corey’s bedroom door was partially ajar and he was sitting in a chair with his head in his hands.

His room looked like a hurricane had swept through it. A storm of empty soda cans, food wrappers, clothing and papers. I showed him the juice and medicine, and put a few things in the refrigerator. I asked if he wanted to come home for a night. He said he wasn’t sure. We decided I would call and check on him later. Before leaving, I managed to scoop some of the trash into a shopping bag. As I walked down the driveway I saw several trash cans. As I was wondering which can to throw the trash into, a pleasant looking African American man came up the driveway.
“Hi, I’m Cody’s mom,” I said. “Do you know where I can throw this trash?”
He grinned widely. “You’re Cody’s mom? I’ve been praying for Cody!”
“You have?”
“Yes, I’m a pastor.”
He showed me where to put the trash and we talked for a few minutes.
He also mentioned that he gave Cody a book..something to do with people skills.

As I drove home, I had a feeling of wonder in my heart. There are so many things we do not know. God is working behind the scenes, even when we don’t see him. It gave me hope.

Also, when I mentioned to my Lifestyles class, this morning, about how unreasonable Cody’s property manager was. One woman piped up, “Sometimes when our kids have to deal with unreasonable people, it helps them to better deal with reasonable people.”

How true!

Have a wonderful Sunday! It’s beautiful here…it rained all night, and it’s showering on and off today. Dylan and I went jogging together under a white, grey and blue sky.

This is my city. It's titled: Look Up!