I have had an eye infection for the past week and a half. It is red, swollen, and it hurts very badly. As a result I have to wear my glasses (which is annoying because I'm not used to them) and I cannot wear eye make-up. Please do not assume I’m a diva and have to wear make-up to feel confident; however, it is interesting when potential donors to TCC think a 15 year old is telling them where to put their money. I knock about 8 years off of my age when I go all natural. But perhaps the most frustrating part is that I have no idea what is causing the swelling and it hasn’t improved a bit. Grrr!
I was sitting in bed this morning and realized that I hadn’t once prayed for my eye’s healing. I have had this eye infection for over a week and I never thought to pray? I apologized for my lack of faith and began praying that God would heal my eye. I went on with my morning as usual and made my way to work through the ice and snow. As I stood in the office hallway with a co-worker talking about the plight of poverty (what else) one of our residents came through with a HUGE smile on his face. We exchanged our good mornings and he walked on by. Then, he turned around and said, “Aren’t you going to ask me why I’m doing so well?” Of course, after that I asked him immediately. This is what he said:
“It is so beautiful outside with all the snow, so yesterday I decided to go down to the park for my afternoon smoke break. As I stood their smokin’ my cigarette, I saw a tiny little squirrel on the path. He climbed up a tree right next to me and started eating something he found on the path. I remembered the Scripture where God said that He takes care of all creatures. He’s givin’ them something to eat and makin’ their fur grow in the winter so they can stay warm. I prayed right there and said, ‘God please don’t forget to take care of me too.’ Well, an hour later my mom came to the center with a note. The note said to call this man back because he wanted to offer me the job! God is so good isn’t He? I just love that blessing.”
He turned around and walked away still wearing that great big smile. I stood there in silence, my heart treasuring up the story I had just heard. What a beautiful reminder of living a life of faith through prayer. He recognized God's provision through the life of a squirrel and sent up a prayer of faith! I’m sure your own heart has cried that same plea. “Please God, don’t forget me.” He hasn’t forgotten you. He will never forget you. I urge all of us to remember to pray and communicate with the God who loves us. He is waiting to extend us a blessing. He is waiting to heal us. I’m so grateful for the reminder to pray and listen today.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life…look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6: 25-26 & 33
