an unlooked for blessing

Yesterday was a busy day for me. I had our high school team meeting at 9:30, helped lead worship at the 11:00 (I played my electric guitar! woot!), headed over to Harvest Fields for the church Fall Fest (brought to you by the Kidz Connexion), and had a hayride for our senior high students last night.

It was a full-plate day.

On my way out of church, Brenda mentioned that her friend Annie needed a ride to the Fall Fest. The thing is, Annie has Cerebral Palsy, and rides on a motorized scooter. Could I? Well, I do have a truck, but I'm pretty busy. I'm headed home to change clothes, grab my family...I passed on the opportunity. And immediately knew that I was missing an opportunity to be a blessing. As I rolled down Stoney Lane, I noticed Pastor Dan and Woolten standing beside Dan's vehicle, looking puzzled.

Need any help?

They were trying to figure out how to get Annie's scooter into the back of Dan's Mercury Mountaineer. OK, I'm in. I carted Annie's wheels out to the Fall Fest (Woolten took Annire herself), then headed home.

I wasn't feeling like a blessing...

On my way out of the Fall Fest, headed home to get ready for the hayride. Dave is looking around for something. I stop--Hey Dave, what's up?

Are you taking Annie back to town?

I look at the clock, sigh, and say "Sure, let's load it up." Still not much with the attitude of blessing.

But I decided to make the best of it. Annie is a wonder. She has a twisted body, and just 4 months ago had a hip replacement. Her speech is distorted by her disease, but after a few minutes, God seemed to give me ears to hear. I learned so much on our short ride.

Annie was born not breathing. Her mother, on being told that her baby wasn't breathing, told the doctor, "You go work on my baby girl. I'm going to pray." Annie wasn't expected to amount to much in life. She has a Master's Degree in Rehab, and works with addicts. She says that kids love her. She offered to come speak to my students, and even told me that she wouldn't accept any money! She wants to spend some time praying about what she'll say, but she thinks that it might have something to do with God using the weak and frail things in life to reveal his power.

Umm, yeah.

My attitude? Not great. God's providence? Still stinkin' awesome. I need to figure out how to get my attitude into the EXPECTING mode.