As my last post said, I recently returned from working a TEC weekend. Like many others, I left the weekend full of the joy of my encounter with Christ, confident in His plans for me, and on fire with the Holy Spirit, ready to tackle whatever would come my way.
In the past, this feeling has lasted for a while, but eventually, the "God high" fades as the troublesome circumstances of my everyday life take over.
This time, those circumstances appeared a little early.
I got home from TEC on Monday night about 10 minutes after my roommate and her brother. I was greeted by the words, "Did you see the note on the door?" Apparently, the power company had left a note stating that they had shut off my gas a few days earlier [while I was at TEC] to do some unplanned maintenance. They left a number to call, but being well after hours, no one answered. I gave in to the realization that this meant either a cold shower or no shower in the morning before school.
Then, I realized something much more important -- I have a gas furnace!!
No hot water, I can probably deal with... probably. But no heat? No, this can't work.
As I started unloading my car (because, really, I didn't know what else to do), I couldn't help but smile and give a little chuckle. "Okay, God," I thought. "I can see what You're doing here. You're giving me the chance to test what I've experienced. Is it true, even in the cold? Or is this peace and happiness based upon pleasant circumstances?"
And even though it was cold... there was SO MUCH BEAUTY in this experience!
First, the fact that I was able to have such a calm mindset, keeping the big picture in mind.
Second, the fact that the weekend had not been cold enough to freeze my pipes or do any other damage.
Then, the fact that my friend Jeff suggested calling the sheriff's department to get the after-hours number for the gas company, since clearly they weren't answering the phones at this hour of the evening... and the fact that I was soon connected, and a serviceman arrived shortly to turn the gas back on and relight the pilots!
And the fact that another friend saw my facebook post and called me to offer my roommate and I his guestroom for the night so we could be comfortable. (Seriously, I have the best friends EVER!!)
Oh, and my little fishy was in the care of a 5yr old, so he didn't freeze to death over the weekend.
Plus, the existence of coffee, which made it possible for me to stay awake through work the next day (and the day after that)!
Thank you, Lord, for knowing this road, even when I don't. Thank you for preparing me for the circumstances that lie ahead, no matter what they may be!
Oh, and at some point on TEC, I made a reference to the beloved Dr. Seuss... and so I made up a new poem, "Green Eggs and Ham"-style :)
Will you love me with no sleep?
Will you love me with no heat?
Will you serve me in the cold?
Will you follow this unknown road?
Yes, I will love You with no sleep, and I will love you with no heat.
I will serve you in the cold, and I will follow this unknown road.
I follow You, for You bring peace.
"Good," says He... "Now, feed my sheep."
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