Providence

 God's Providence extends to the smallest detail of our lives, though we don't always recognize His hand.  I have always looked back on this story as amazing-- almost incredible -- but it shows how much God cares for even the details of our lives.

Soon after I moved to Mississippi from New Orleans, I decided to volunteer for a number of projects which would help me connect to the local church and civic community.  Even though I approached a number of people offering my time, no one ever called me to follow up.  Finally, I sat on my porch one day and said, "Okay, God.  You know where I live; you know my phone number.  Let me know when you are ready for me."  And I just waited.  

Within a few weeks, it turned out that my dear neighbor across the street had pancreatic cancer.  Her ensuing treatment meant a week in the hospital, followed shortly afterwards with a week or so at Tulane Hospital in New Orleans, and eventually time at M.D. Anderson in Texas.  In addition to the cancer, she was worried about her beloved Great Dane, Boots.  Who would take care of Boots while she was hospitalized?  Fortunately and providentially, I was free to do just that, unencumbered by a slew of volunteer jobs.  Looking back, I began to see why no one had ever followed up on my offers for volunteer work, and I felt so grateful to God that I was free to help my neighbor.

As Mary Lyn's cancer grew worse, and she began to near death, again she was concerned about Boots.  She knew a Great Dane was not likely to get adopted from a shelter, and she didn't know anyone who would be willing to adopt Boots.  My daughter and I said a prayer, asking God to take care of Boots to ease Mary Lyn's mind.  

At the time, my daughter was working in Belle Chase at a military complex.  Her office was on the second floor of a five-story building, and she rarely if ever met people from other floors.   However, at a retirement party for one of the officers, she happened to be sitting next to someone from the fourth floor, a lady she met for the first time.  The woman was relating her problem:  she had recently adopted a Great Dane puppy --- go figure! --- that was somewhat out of control.  The lady had no choice but to leave the dog alone all day while she worked, and neither she nor the dog was happy about the situation. She was hoping to adopt an older Great Dane to settle the pup and to keep it company during the day.

Imagine what machinations God had to contrive to have my daughter meet the one person in the world, probably, who actually was looking for an older Great Dane!  Arrangements were made for the two dogs to meet, and of course, they got along great!  Mary Lyn was able to let go of Boots with sorrow but immense gratitude that she would be well cared for.  (Actually, I later heard that all 4 -- husband, wife, and both dogs --- slept in the same bed at night.)  And Mary Lyn died in peace.

Is anything too hard for God?  I have a card on my desk that reads: Faith is Confidence in God's willingness and ability to be with us in all circumstances.

If you've heard the story of Boots and Mary Lyn, how can you doubt that truth?