An Encounter with God

Today I've been in the worst mood I've been in in a long time. It all started when I could barely get myself out of bed, moved to one of the cats puking all over the floor (and putting Ian in a bad mood), and ended with a day at work. Work's been just plain irritating. By lunch I was ready to either break down in tears or hit someone.

Then I left for the Ash Wednesday service that our church was holding during lunch hour. I left for it really upset, wishing I wasn't alone and feeling sorry for myself. About two minutes into my walk, near the Presbyterian Church (I was on my way to the Episcopal Church), I ran into two young women who asked me if I knew where the Ash Wednesday service was. I told them I didn't know anything about the Pres. Church, but my church was having one, and they asked if they could go along. I said, "Sure," and off we went. It turned out that they were two freshmen at the local college. We chatted all the way to church, and then they asked me if they could sit with me. And I had been expecting to visit God all on my own today! I helped them through the service, and taught them how to take communion. Just the fellowship felt nice. And although I'm still a little cranky and tired, they helped me get out of my funk.

Now, I'm not the type that thinks that God will give us the best parking space if we're good Christians...he's not necessarily the convenient God that many think he is (or would like him to be). But those two girls reminded me that he remembers us even when (or especially when) we think no one cares. So, besides a lesson on repentance for my Ash Wednesday, I also received a little lesson in gratefulness.