There’s a Prize in Every Box

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I have NO idea who was winning the game. I have no clear memory even of what game we were watching. I do remember the air was crisp. I do remember I had my favorite striped zip up cardigan on. I also remember watching my friend Anne opening her box of Cracker Jacks and there, in her prize packet, was the most beautiful blue stoned ring EVAH! (Sorry – Georgia residue)
When I saw Anne’s blue stoned ring, I just KNEW I was going to get one too. I mean, come on, we bought the boxes at the same concession stand, at the same time, with the same dollar bill. How could I NOT get a blue ring?!!! (Perhaps the logic of this will escape most of you, but do remember I am blond – albeit augmented now.)

Imagine my disappointment when I ended up with a little plastic pirate ship. Not even a BLUE plastic pirate ship, it was black. I thought it was the ultimate slap in the face from that little Cracker boy. How could he fail me like this? It just seemed so completely obvious to me, that I should have received a ring too. What was with this little sailor boy?!!!!

That feeling of disappointment is what I dealt with most when leaving Atlanta. I had gone with the hopes of making some key business contacts. I went with the hopes of finding another option for making some money. I went with the vivid memory of a royal temper tantrum that I threw at the Lord, right before going. There was a lot more baggage traveling in that van than was visible. (Thankfully it didn’t take up any more space. It was crowded in that thar Astro of ours.) All those things went with me and – visibly – for the most part, they returned unfulfilled.

So, now that I’ve had a few days to chew on what I learned in Atlanta – what is my over all take-home? I was used by God. How is that for a HUGE take home?

I had a few women that needed someone to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and pray with them. I had a few women that needed someone to speak a word of encouragement to them. I had an opportunity to lay hands on someone and ask the Lord, in His goodness, to heal their body – and He did.

I received the blessing of seeing some “old” friends (I’d never call my friends old, ’cause that would make ME old!) as well as making some new friends, that I will count to be among my dearest. I had the chance to sit up late at night, with a frantic daddy, while we searched the hotel for his precious daughter that was missing. I had the unbelievable gift of finding favor with a few speakers and receiving priceless counsel from them. And best of all, I had the incredible blessing of seeing my children mature in their own callings.

Business-wise I didn’t bring home nearly as much as I had thought we would – until I started praying over it and asking Father to help me see what He took us to Atlanta to learn.

I learned this weekend, anew, that my greatest desire in all of this is to honor my Lord and to minister to His people. I was reminded that, all along, Father has been telling us “It’s all about relationship.” This weekend I saw that in action. Our entire family was never happier than when we were able to serve the other attendees or Amazing Audrey, the Gestapo Barbie that runs Rhea’s events.  (She truly IS amazing! Rarely ruffled, always one step ahead of us all!!)

The conference, while very good, didn’t have bunches new for me to learn. (Not that I didn’t learn anything new, just not bunches.) That in itself was evidence of God’s grace in my life. I was able to see how much the Lord has taught us, allowing us to glean much more information than we “ought” to have, at this point in the game. But, because of those relationships that Father began, I will have greater, deeper and more valuable input from the friends that I made – and I will then glean from their wisdom, as will they, from anything I might have to offer.

Life is good in the Neighborhood of God’s people.

Oh – and my black pirate ship? A boy sitting next to us, that yukky Ricky who had cooties, saw my black pirate ship and wanted it. BOYS! They don’t know cool when they see it, do they? So, because he knew me to be a tough cookie, his offer to take it off my hands came complete with a trade for a pack of Adams’ Ice Cream Gum. (One of my FAVORITES!) Yeah, that’ll work.

So despite what my eyes may have first seen – both in Atlanta and in the park on that fall afternoon – there IS a prize… in every box that the Lord brings into our lives. And frequently it’s much better, much richer, more valuable than anything I would have been smart enough to ask for.

Now, to go find some Adams’ Ice Cream gum…hadn’t thought of that stuff for years!!! (Not that I’m old…..)

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