Protection - Safe, Taken Care Of

 To Be Protected: safe, cared for, taken care of, comforted, held, defended

Who knew that a simple thing like going through the car wash could be so traumatizing?!

It had been too long and the day finally came to get my car washed. It just so happened that everyone else in town, or so it seemed, had also decided this was the day! When I saw the sign that said "50% off" I realized why it was so busy. I was almost deterred by the long lines ahead of me, but decided to wait it out, since I had already put off this day for so long. 

I settled back into my seat and tried to relax as the line slowly moved forward, but occasional glances at the clock didn't really help. At last it was my turn. The attendant, with the wind whipping her hair, was very cheerful and friendly in spite of the long lines. As I proceeded to the car wash several guys sprayed my car down, in the process getting plenty of spray on themselves. I eased onto the conveyor belt and put my car in neutral. The cars were stacked close together with not much space between. 

I was nearly to the end of the line when I realized the vehicle in front of me was stopped. I blew my horn, which didn't do much good as there was another one in front of them that was actually holding up the line. I tried not to panic as the conveyor belt kept moving me forward while I stepped on the brakes with all my might, so as not to hit the car in front of me. In the meantime, the vehicle behind me crunched my back bumper. (So much for my "new" car!) Finally, one of the "washer" guys came to see what was holding up the line. About that time the vehicle in front got his act in gear and the line began to move again.

I pulled around to the side to vacuum the inside of my car, but also just to get out and let my body release some of the huge emotion it was feeling. I was mad and felt like crying! But underneath that was a terrified little girl that didn't know if she was going to be okay. The voice of accusation saying that she should've known better, she's not good enough or smart enough to avoid such situations, had her cowering in the corner. I took a step back and looked that little girl in the eye. Then I sat down and pulled her into my lap. I reassured her that she did a good job, she did the best she knew and that is good enough. I wanted her to know that she is safe with me and I will keep defending her and cheering her on. The car is important, but she matters more! Cars will come and cars will go. They may bear scars or need some fixing, but that will always be 2nd place to her. She gave me a tentative smile and hugged my neck. 

As I drove home that day, I felt at peace knowing that I am safe and taken care of always.

Provision - More Than Enough!

Happy New Year! It's been a hot minutes since I posted, so I'll just say my new year is off to a roaring start. I want to pick up where I left off with posts about "The 10 Gifts". (You will see them listed in the heading.) The one for today is provision.  

To Be Provided For: more than enough, abundance, safe, reassuring.

At the beginning of this year I jokingly said that my goal is to not spend so much money as last year. (If you've read previous posts you will know that I bought a house and a car.) I didn't specify increase of  in-coming funds, but that is my story of the day...

About 15 years ago I decided to invest some money. This was a big deal for me, the low-risk-taker-person that I am! It did not bode well for me. As the years went by the investment kept decreasing in value rather than increasing, as I had hoped. After some time, I despaired, and relinquished all rights, chalking it down as a learning experience. And that was that.

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Yesterday was a cold, blustery day with the wind whipping around and a few flakes falling. The wind at times pushed the front door open and took a peak inside as I sat at my desk working. The cold drafts that came in under my desk were not particularly welcome. I decided to lock the door, but was too lazy to put up a sign.  However, that meant I had to keep a close eye out for anyone wanting to enter. It wasn't all bad, as hopping up and down helped keep the blood circulating. 

As the afternoon wore on I picked up a call from an old friend. I was shocked when he told me he has a check with my name on it! Come to find out, my "investment" from many years ago had made a significant turn-around and was being returned to me with interest!

Only that morning I had read the verse in Matt.7:ll where it says that God gives good gifts to those who ask. However, the verse in Ephesians 3:20 is what I was feeling that day!

"Never doubt God's mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you." TPT

It feels safe and reassuring to know that He is the God of abundance and I have more than enough.