A Funny Thing Happened

A funny thing happened on my way to Tulsa. Or did it actually happen when I got there, or even before I left Edmond? If one were very philosophical it could be determined that it was predestined to happen before I was born.In that case,perhaps it wasn't even my fault.Is there a possibility my husband would buy that one?
Anyway, I was late leaving and had the thought,"Maybe I should just get up early and leave in the morning.But then the sun will be right in my face and I will get sleepy and a hotel room is much cheaper than a wrecked SUV".So I packed my little overnight tote,grabbed a couple of outfits(in case one showed too many bulges) did my last minute check to see if I had my purse,my files, and my Toast Master's notebook and was on my way.
As I was backing out I noticed the gas gauge was on the half mark. I decided I would just stop on the way out of town. I looked and saw the gas was $1.71 and briefly wondered if it would be cheaper on the turnpike. Oh well, I decided, I am here I may as well get it. So I slipped my card in and while the tank was filling went in to get a soda for the trip.
I paid cash for the soda and walked back to hang up the nozzle. I looked up to see the clerk coming toward me with my soda. I took it, thanked him and made some comment about Alzheimer's. I kind of laughed at my goofiness and hopped in the car to begin my jog to Tulsa.
I tried to listen to Dave Ramsey but he was too sketchy with the bad reception. I changed the station and was listening to this wonderful sermon by John MacArthur. He spoke about trusting God enough to be thankful while we are in a crises.It was great. I loved it.
The first item,upon arriving, was to find the church where the training would be held. That was easy. A hotel was only three miles away and it was early enough that I could run by Wal-mart and see if they had a cute sweater. I saw a decent looking hotel and pulled in. The rate was good. I made mental note to check out the room before I committed.While the clerk was checking I realized that my credit card was not in my purse.I excused myself and went to see if I had set it on the seat. I proceeded to go through my purse, my files, (they could have slid in one), my notebook, between the seats, under the seats. I think I went through this three or four times. Now, what is the definition of insanity?
After concluding the worst. I went back in and told the clerk. Then the worst of it. I had to call my husband. I got to hear how he always puts his card in the same place, in his wallet every time. I got to be counselled on the importance of paying attention to what one is doing. I am glad he is taking his leadership role seriously.But maybe not right now.

There was only one thing to do. Drive back to Edmond. So I did.I was very torn and sad. The MacArthur sermon took on a bit of a different slant.It stung a tad.I cried a bit.I whined some. Then it hit me that God was speaking to me in this. He was telling me some not so comfortable things about my motives.I decided that I needed to trust Him. I need to trust Him when my plans are thwarted because His will never be.I need to live my life for Him and trust Him for the outcome. It may be what I have in mind and it may not be.I may be a huge success and I may die an unknown. The only thing that matters is that He is pleased.I used to know that.I am not sure when I lost my way. But I knew I had lost my way. I do not have to make a mark in this world. Jesus did that.I just want to walk in his foot prints. I just want to talk to Him. Be still and know that He is God. I think that means rather than me.
Once back in Edmond,I made a stop at the station, surprised that they were open since earlier they did not answer the phone.
Of course no one had turned it in.
I got the card cancelled and ascertained that only one charge had been made that day to the station. Whew! I was relieved. For some reason I asked again. I just got a strange feeling. The lady on the phone told me she had already changed the number and I would have to check back when I received the new card.
By the time I did all that,and took my Yorkie to the potty three times, it was quite late. I decided not to attempt driving with so little sleep. So I am still not trained for my Toast Masters position.But I am still His child.
After checking that card someone did manage to get a tank of gas or something for $19 and some change.I have to wonder what that recipient of free gas said to him or her self to make it okay in their mind. What conversation allowed them to pick up this card, either off the ground,off the counter, or maybe the floor of the store and use it rather than turn it in to the clerk. Were they struggling financially? Were they merely opportunist? Who can say. I just know that even that had to be filtered through the hands of God. So who ever you are out there, God loves you. Trust Him.