January 31, 2024
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One day our daughters and grandkids came to our home for a visit.
We decided to griddle hamburgers for lunch.
I folded the ground sirloin into a large bowl, added the seasonings and formed the patties. There would be 10 of us and Susan and I discussed whether 10 burgers would be enough considering the ages and appetites of six growing children ages five through fourteen. We decided that 10 was enough.
When the time came to start griddling the burgers, Josh said, “Papa, I’m hungry. I don’t think 1 burger will be enough. Can I have 2?”
“No,” I replied.
“What about a double-burger?”
“No.”
“What about a triple burger?”
“No.” “Josh, how many people do we have here?”
“10.”
“And how many burgers do we have on the griddle?”
“10.”
“10 will be enough. Sela’s only five so she won’t eat much. You can eat whatever she doesn’t.”
I asked Josh to poll the crowd and find out how many wanted cheeseburgers.
“10,” he said.
I brought a container of cheese slices from the refrigerator that was marked “10 Slices.” When time came to put the cheese slices on the patties Savanna and I counted them out – 10.
Erin also brought out two packages of wheat burger buns, 8 to a package. I emptied one package and removed 2 more buns from the second package to be toasted.
When the 10 patties were done, Josh brought out a tray. I placed the 10 perfectly cooked patties on the tray and he took them inside to serve. Erin brought out a basket and the 10 perfectly toasted buns were added to be served.
I cleaned up the griddle and went inside. Everyone else (3 adults and 6 kids = 9) had served themselves and were sitting at the table waiting for me. I grabbed the last of the 10 buns and went to get my patty. There were 2 patties left.
“Who didn’t get a patty?” I asked.
Everyone had a completely assembled cheeseburger.
“Wait a minute, I said. “this doesn’t add up!” And together we did the math. 9 patties had been served and there were 2 patties left, both with cheese – totaling 11 patties.
Did I make 11 patties instead of 10? No. Did I griddle 11 patties instead of 10? No. When did the 10 become 11? What happened?
The Bible says “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” Genesis 28:16b (NIV)
I choose to believe that God was with us … and that He has a sense of humor. He wants us to remember that He is always with us. He wants us to pay attention. And sometimes – not often – but often enough, at least for me … and Susan … and maybe the Selke children and grandchildren – He smiles and says, “Did you notice? I’m here now and I am always with you.” I am thankful that He is and that this happened when our family was together.
By the way, Josh ate the 11th patty. He really was hungry!
REMEMBER & BELIEVE
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
In the meantime, God is with us every moment of our lives!
QUESTION
How does the Lord remind you of His constant presence in your life?.
PRAYER
Lord, help us to be mindful of Your presence every moment of every day of our lives.
Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil and the evil one. For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever.
Amen
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 (NRSV)
God bless you!
Richard
Christ Worshipper | Disciple Maker | Hope Giver
Welcome to In the Meantime. I'm glad you're here! We are living in the time between Christ's ascension into heaven and His promised return to earth. In the Meantime is a collection of stories about God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and His presence, love, mercy and grace in my life. In the Meantime, Jesus is Lord! Hallelujah!
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