" . . . the Lord's tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ . . . the tender mercies of the Lord are real and do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Often, the Lord's timing of his tender mercies helps us to discern and acknowledge them."
It was early on a Sunday evening and Rob and I were relaxing on the bed with the baby trying to hold onto what remained of the weekend. Rob got up to bath the girls and after feeding the baby I got up too.
To my horror I discovered the backdoor wide open! I was certain it had been locked. An open door only meant one thing―our little runner had escaped and was off wandering through the neighbourhood.
"Rob! Rob! The backdoor is open!" I yelled, "Where's David?" My heart was pounding and my thoughts were racing. I needed to think clearly and act quickly.
"Please don't let him have gotten so far I need to call 911. . . again," I prayed, ". . . and please keep him from getting hit by a car."
I grabbed my car keys, cell phone and slippers and called out to Rob, "I'm taking the car!" Experience has taught me I can cover more ground more quickly with the car.
I decided to go in the direction of 900 E since this is where he was picked up last time. I got to my car only to discover it was occupied―by David! He was sitting in the driver's seat shuffling through my other set of keys, like he was trying to find the one that starts the car.
Relief washed over me along with alarm. David had been found and he was safe. He didn't even make it past the driveway. But he wanted to drive the car―he's only 10!
I herded him back into the house and locked the door and grabbed every bunch of keys I could find. Rob and I had talked about this day. We knew David would one day develop the fine motor skills to unlock the door. We had also joked about him wanting to drive the car. We knew this day was coming, but we didn't think it would come so soon.
Now what?
Our whole security system is based on lock and key.
Now what? How do we keep David in? And how do we keep him from getting the keys?
A stifling pressure of "now what's" filled my head and I still felt a little shaky. I went to the bedroom to check on the baby.
Fifteen minutes later there was a knock at the door. Emma bounced into my room and announced, "It's the nice ladies who make us cookies!" This was music to my ears. Cookies. Sugar. What perfect timing!
Terri and Camille didn't stay long but their visit calmed my anxious spirit. They showed up right when I needed them. They weren't able to provide me with solutions to my security problem, but they did leave me feeling loved and comforted. Which is exactly what I needed.
The timing of their visit was so remarkable.
Coincidence? I don't think so.
More like inspiration.
Through their act of service I was able to recognize the hand of the Lord and feel of His love for me. The timing of their visit confirmed that Heavenly Father is aware of me and my needs.
What a sweet and joyous comfort.
What a tender mercy.
