Two Times Proven

So, God reminded me with a twice-executed mini-miracle today that if He proves His care for me in such small things, shouldn't I be more inclined to trust Him with much greater ones?

I wore a pair of earrings today of which one side had a loose clasp, and though it lasted most of the day, I lost it as I walked across campus at 1:30. Unfortunately, I didn't realize it until 20 minutes later as I was driving and nearly home. I tried not to freak out, but prayed, even over this "dumb little thing" and made plans to look when I went back to campus for a 4:30 student appointment. The reassurance came in that I could almost guarantee the spot where I figured I had lost it. So, returning later I went to the spot and within a minute perhaps of looking, voila! There it was! I rejoiced and thanked God for granting this piddly request and went on to my meeting, replacing the earring in its empty spot. This I should not have done.

An hour and a half later as we began our Bible study prep meeting, I realized I had AGAIN lost the stupid earring and silently reproached my foolishness of putting it back in after losing it once today. Resolving myself to perhaps a permanent loss, I again prayed humbly petitioning God to repeat His earlier kindness. Though I had less certainty, again I had a clear guess as to when I had lost it. This time, I did check several more spaces on my route, but after our meeting as I went to take things back to our office, I scanned the sidewalk where was my guess...and again--unbelievably there it was. (This time, I did NOT put it back in my ear, but carefully in my pocket to not press the grace I'd already received!)

So, honestly as I picked up the lost earring a second time, I marvelled at the goodness of God to me over such a miniscule item and "problem." The thought rightly came, if God is willing to take care of such small concerns for me (seemingly foolish or irrelevant), how would He not care for the truly affective, profound needs, concerns or challenges that fit my life?

"Consider the lilies of the field, how they neither toil or spin, and yet your Heavenly Father clothes them..." Matthew 6

The Recouperative Value of "Off-Duty"

I am endebted to my friend Emily for being one who has helped drum into me the value of being "off-duty" sometimes. Last week in the school world was about 30 hours of homework, largely paper writing for two classes, still being hundreds of pages behind in reading, with mid-terms looming in the coming week's frame. But I was reminded of the truth it took me 3 years of my undergrad to figure out: All-nighters are not worth it. My sleep and health is more important sometimes than homework. Typically I choose to not ignore the bigger projects with this attitude, but some of the "daily grind" which is starting to seem more large and weighty can at times be set aside. So, having stayed up way late on Monday to finish off a paper due Wed., I took Tuesday night off, and it was so refreshing!! That's where Em's voice wafted back into my head about being off-duty. I didn't study, I didn't make phone calls, I didn't plan for IV things. I just relaxed with hot tea and a sweet movie and then slept so well!

Why is it that if we learn to rest as we work we actually work more effectively? Somewhere I remember a commandment about that....

Fall in Full Force

School work kicks in. Routines among InterVarsity are making headway. It snows (fortunately NOT sticking) on October 1st, but I am comforted by hearing that parts of WI got "tons" of staying snow at the same time. The crispness of walking to class now requires sweatshirt, and jacket, and gloves--but not yet earmuffs. Apple cider is on sale now--yippee! And above all, I get to go to Wooster tomorrow for the wonderful fall days and friend reunions of Homecoming. That's when I know autumn is marching on! Thanks be to God for all the pleasures of leaves changing color, pumpkins appearing, and needing to wear a cozy sweater and curl up with thick blankets at night. What a marvelous diversity of days--gifts all of them!