I lost my keys. The only set of van keys that we have. They are in this house somewhere and for a week I have been tearing things apart knowing that they SHOULD turn up somewhere. But, they haven’t. So do you know what that means? I have to pay to have our van towed from my own garage to the dealer. Then, I will have the pleasure of paying another (painful to me amount) to have a new key made. ARGH!
I have really been hoping to not add to my blonde story folder – “The time I lost my own keys in my own house.” I try hard not to play the role of absent minded mother of many children. But let’s face it, I have times when I am busy with six children, a puppy and getting in the door to make lunch. So, the fact is one minute my keys are in my hand — and the next minute I have laid them down somewhere.
One child, to remain nameless (our youngest), told me he found the keys in a hidden treasure spot and reburried them for me at the top of a ladder. I haven’t found that treasure yet, but I have been praying I would find it.
Lord, help me find my keys.
You can’t imagine how many times I have prayed that prayer this week. So many times it can feel like God isn’t listening. Why can’t he help a frazzled mother out? I just need him to point me in the direction of the keys.
All joking aside, I have at times wondered if my prayers go unanswered, not just about keys, but about larger things too – results of medical tests, guidance for how to parent, a glimpse into the future so that we know what decision to make, and last but not least a mended relationship.
Yesterday, we got an envelope that included a very encouraging letter and three checks. We were blown away by the care and generosity of a tiny church that gives big and calls us theirs. As I marveled at the gift I had in my hand, I realized that it covered a couple of expenses we were facing — including a new van key.
So many times it can feel like God isn’t listening, but really He is just answering my prayers in a way that I never expected — and even in a way that I don’t want.
I don’t want to have the humbling experience of towing my van and getting a new key made. I want the easy way out. But I can tell you one thing, God has provided again. He has made sure that we have what we need.
Today, I am thanking God for answering my prayers — for hearing me and providing. I also am digging deep in my soul with the reminder that God doesn’t always do what I want him to do. He is sovereign; I am not. He knows what I need. He gives good gifts, even if at first I feel disappointed because my desires (and dare I say my expectations) are not in line with HIS heart. I so want my heart to line up with his. Sigh.
Lord, help my unbelief. Remind me that you are always faithful and you answer prayer…..even prayers about lost keys. Thank you that you are good, and help me to see your good answers even when it is hard.
Casting A Stone 
Thanks for sharing Tammy. Thanking God for providing for all your needs. Sarah
Do not fret. It happens to all of us.
Love you. Jean.
You are so very gracious, Jean. Thanks.
I needed to read this today. Thank you for sharing.
Glad we are on this journey together, Michelle.
Awesome post and your humor makes me smile. But what a good lesson as I struggle with “unbelief” and wonder when I – make something happen does that mean that I do not believe that God will answer my prayers. I am guessing your keys will turn up – all you have to do is look at the top of the ladder … >
Call a lock Smith and they will com and make a key. I locked my keys in truck and had to do that.
Your keys, my bag of grass seed. It was on the counter in the kitchen, I remember seeing it there, my husband remembers seeing it there. I went to get it to sow grass seed for our confinement area for our bunny, and the bag was gone. We looked everywhere, both of us, inside and out in the garage, the workshop the equip. shed….no grass seed. How can two people lose the same bag at the same time? You would think one of us would know what happened to it. Sometimes I feel that getting older is just an excuse, I have been misplacing things most of my life. Usually when I am frustrated and feel my blood pressure rise, I can sit down and try to calm down and that is when God does what He is famous for….He comes through for me. If not the bag of grass seed, then at least the calming breath I can now take and I feel my blood pressure even out. Thank you Lord for helping me.