August 7, 2024
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We were on our way to spend some time in the Colorado mountains. Erin and Lindsay were about ten years old and had just completed another year of Girl Scout Cookie sales. They were quite successful in their sales efforts.
In one of their first years, as the sales deadline approached, they asked me who they could call to finish their sales. “Call your Uncle Neal,” I suggested. A while later, they returned with astonishment on their faces and joy in their voices. “Uncle Neal just bought 50 boxes!” Of course he did!!! And the girls continued to count on him every year for their end-of-season sales push. I remember being served Girl Scout Cookies as hors d’oeuvres whenever I visited Neal*, regardless of the occasion.
While driving to our destination, I mentioned that I was somewhat confused by the plethora of Girl Scout Cookie choices available at that time. When I was a kid, my sister Barbara was a Brownie. I remember only two choices – vanilla sandwich and chocolate sandwich – kind of like Oreos. That was it. I liked those cookies, but they hadn’t been available for some time. I said to the girls, “We should contact the Girl Scouts of America and talk with whoever’s in charge of cookies. We should ask them to resume selling the vanilla and chocolate sandwich cookies.” That idea was not welcomed with much enthusiasm.
By the time we arrived at our destination, it was late afternoon and a light snow was falling. Erin, Lindsay and I headed for the outdoor hot tub located in the middle of the complex. I love cold, crisp Colorado air, a hot tub and snow in my hair! A woman greeted us as we joined her in the tub, and we began some small talk. She asked about us, where we were from, and what I did for a living. When it was her turn, she said, “I’m head of the Girl Scouts of America!”
I’m sure my jaw dropped, and I wish I had a picture of the surprise on Erin and Lindsay’s faces. I simply smiled, winked at the girls, and said, “We’d like to talk with you about your cookies …”
Our God has a sense of humor. Sometimes He connects the dots in unlikely ways and seems to say, “I’m here. Did you notice? And I’m listening!”
Praise the Lord!
* Neal Anderson died August 1, 2024. I thank the Lord for his life. I am blessed that he was, is, and always will be my friend. Rest in peace, brother. †
REMEMBER & BELIEVE
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
In the meantime, watch for God to surprise you!
QUESTIONS
Has there ever been a time in your life when things just kind of came together in ways that didn’t seem possible? Maybe they weren’t possible? Maybe it was God joining in the conversation?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for the unexpected moments and joyful surprises You bring into our lives and the gentle reminders of Your presence. Help us to see Your hand at work in the ordinary and extraordinary moments.
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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