I awoke with a start. Daylight filtered into our bedroom. No! Turning on my side, I gaped at the clock: 7:30.
Mentally grumbling, I stumbled into the bathroom. How could I oversleep on a Saturday! My one day a week to work on my writing! The one day I rose early because I get to sit down in a silent house with a cup of coffee, my Bible, and my computer.
Downstairs I flew, dashing about as quick as I dared, willing our daughters and our puppy to slumber on so I might steal back some of those muted moments.
Two hours later, I ran out the door to run errands, still berating myself for not having enough time that morning to accomplish my to-do list. Creative time was gone, and the family errands now took precedence. Pick up the groceries, drop books at the library, and hit the pharmacy.
Pulling into the pick-up line for pre-ordered groceries, I thanked God for the ability to buy our groceries and utilize this time-saving service. Upon arrival home, I unpacked the order and made lunch for my family, noting the second chicken was missing from my order.
I called the store, arranging to pick up the missing item later that afternoon. I was not happy at the prospect of losing another thirty minutes minimum. I knew people make mistakes (myself included!) but my mind refocused on my un-crossed off to-do list. Ahh!
My husband, John, accompanied me and wanted to look at something on the opposite side of the store. Calculating the additional time, I smiled over gritted teeth, and agreed we had the mere moment he needed.
Returning toward the one item we came for, John suddenly grasped my elbow.
“Stefanie, someone is down on the floor in that aisle.”
Having bolted ahead of him, I took a few steps back and peered into the aisle.
Sure enough, an elderly lady was face-down, flat on the floor.
I immediately rushed to her side, identifying myself as a healthcare provider. As a nurse, I knew how to access the situation, her mental status, and her injuries. As store staff appeared, my husband told them what we knew and took notes on my phone as I obtained an incident and medical history.
Her crimson blood pooled in an ever-enlarging puddle around her head as I gently lifted her face while she whispered her story of her day.
Her husband’s face was white as he struggled beside her, his white face creasing in effort as his joints refused to gracefully lower him to his wife.
Once we had the information we needed, I engaged him in general chitchat as I cared for his wife. Even his wife, face down, with a bloody nose, seemed to enjoy the conversation. Our local emergency crews are truly quick responders and arrived shortly. With a team of three competent young men, I knew I was no longer needed.
Walking away, my husband nodded at my blood-covered hand, asking if I knew where the restrooms were located.
We found it, at a leisurely pace. I had abandoned the rush from my step and the hurry from my mind.
As I washed her blood from my skin, I contemplated my day. Last night, I had written an agenda for my Saturday. I had a lot I needed to accomplish. All things I had prayed over previously, things I knew I should do. But I didn’t necessarily have any God-ordained timeline on them. I awoke with that schedule in mind.
But God that a different to-do- list. I believe He wanted me there. And, I almost missed it. I had already booked past the aisle where I could have helped someone. My husband saw the need as I only reviewed my mental agenda. His eyes were open to what was directly before him, while mine were locked in my thoughts.
While I was frustrated that I needed to return for a missed chicken, God knew I would be needed. I was needed to simply reassure this couple that someone was there, keeping them company in their wait.
Given the choice, I would not have wanted to be anywhere else. Thank God my husband’s eyes were open to the people directly around us.
How easy it is for me to claim my Saturdays as “my time”, and miss the fact that I am God’s servant. Truly, I want to do whatever He has for me. I don’t want my list to overshadow His divine appointments. Especially because I didn’t have my eyes open for opportunities to serve Him.
He knows the plans He has for me. He knows the plans He has for my day. They don’t have to be ‘big doing’s’ as my grandmother would say. As long as I’m serving Him, that’s all that matters. And what I might discount as insignificant, others, like that couple might feel those few moments of reassurance and companionship made all the difference to them at that time.
He knows the plans He has for you and your day too. Maybe you are like me that day, rising and rushing into my own agenda. Maybe like me, you have almost missed your divine appointment had it not been pointed out to you.
Don’t beat yourself up. He knows our temptations. But, maybe for you, like me, there’s a wake-up call resounding in the air. I need to carry my plans to Him, asking for His plans for me for the day. Asking for His guidance, His direction, and His eyes to schedule my time.
Won’t you join me in prayer as I prepare for another day?
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, You know what You would have me do today. As I get so excited, so stressed, and so rushed to accomplish what I think is necessary, please slow me down. Guide my eyes to see what You have for me to do. To offer help to whoever You place before me, whether that assistance is an encouraging word, a physical hand, or a simple heart-felt prayer. Thank You for Your timely reminders that I am Your servant, and that whatever needs done will get done on time, regardless of any ‘unexpected’ items popping into my to-do list. Thank You God, you have me, and You have my time, my tasks, and You will utilize my talents for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.