While anxiously waiting for my counseling appointment (which I had extended an olive branch for a family member to attend), my hopes were high to come to a peaceful resolution. It was time for the wise counseling of a professional to help repair the severed relationship, beginning the process of mending torn emotions to a place of strength and deeper healing. Like tiny tears of muscle that pave the way to increased muscle mass, so, too, our relationship would optimistically be built up.
As my upcoming appointment drew near the prayer of King David in Psalm 139:23–24 AMPC came to mind. “Search me thoroughly O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts. And see if there is any wicked or hurtful ways in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” I longed for my heart to stay on the course of truth joined hand and hand in love.
As the meeting came to a close, regretfully the outcome was not what we had hoped for. Deeply wrestling with discouragement, the ride home was somber. Feeling an intensified and rather profound sense of loss, 2012 was closing its chapter to more sorrow than I had bargained for: my mom’s congestive heart failure and increasing dementia, while also mourning my only other sibling health challenges of Lewy Body Dementia. And now the golden thread of hope of restoration was severed, swaying frayed and raw, making the approaching holidays more poignant with overwhelming sadness and grief.
Upon arriving safely at home, I was greeted with a rousing welcome from my loving husband, thoughtful son and two exuberant and affectionate dogs, Buddy and Buttons. My soul and body instantly sank into a cozy place called home. Their listening ears slowly warmed my chilly spirits, thawing out the cold harsh situation.
Shortly after I got home, the phone rang; it was Lawrence the husband of my dear friend Lisa from high school. He was calling to plan a surprise for her birthday the following day. His cleverly devised plan was as follows: First, his limo driver would pick us up, then swing over to their house for the birthday girl, surprising her when she got inside with my unannounced presence. After that, it was time to drive to Lawrence’s company party.
We had a great time! Photos were taken and hugs exchanged, then off my husband and I went for over a two-hour ride in the limo…all for free! Her husband’s generosity extended beyond his lovely wife; it was a gift to Kevin and I as well.
It’s safe to say that it had been well over 26 years since I’d yearned to ride in a limousine with my husband. For 21 of those years, we lived only on one income while I stayed home, homeschooling our two boys, coupon clipping, bargain hunting, and pinching pennies till they squealed. And I loved every minute of it. So honestly, limo desires got placed way back on the back burner, I forgot it was still a simmering dream.
However, God is mindful of our dormant dreams, His Word promises to give us the desires of our heart. The same joy of watching my precious friend’s elation on her special day was also God’s, as He watched our joy. He had a glorious celebration on our behalf.
This was truly a magical night of sparkling cider toasts, birthday gifts and photos. Riding in high style, we also toured Christmas lights, gazing at twinkling stars and city lights from the heights of Rocky Butte. Finishing our glorious night, we ate at the same Denny’s where we first met after a church gathering, sharing French fries like we did 30 years ago. This wondrous adventure was fulfilled in a limo with the license plate “LUCKY U”.
Perhaps you, too, are struggling with a painful hurt or loss. Do you feel like the chips are down and you’re down on your luck? May I encourage today with the promise of a God who knows your heart and heartache. He is a God who binds up the brokenhearted, repairing and restoring them to wholeness. His favor and grace rests on the broken and downtrodden. So, whether you find yourself in a luxury limo ride or not, the Lord wants to bless you; He knows the secret petitions of your heart. This is certain: we serve a mighty God who daily loads His children with benefits. With this profound truth, I lift my glass of sparkling cider with a toast in honor of a very highly favored, blessed and LUCKY U!
Blessed (fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God) is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people whom He has chosen as His own inheritance. —Psalm 33:12 AMP
“Nothing feels blessed about being broken. In fact, certain circumstances in life hurt so intensely that we think we will never heal. But blessing can come in the wake of our being broken.” —Charles Stanley
Prayer:
Father God, thank you for all Your blessings. We know that “luck” is actually Your divine set ups, not merely happenstance. We praise You for a faith we can lean on; rock-solid faith, not tossed to and fro by the times, seasons or what can be said as a “lucky break.” We are blessed, and we honor and give You glory for it.
Grace -Filled Seasons A 52 Week Discovery of God's All- Sufficient Grace Lisa Jennings
Kevin and I in 2015
