It's In the Bag

For some reason, this morning started out rough. I woke up fine. But then I seemed to drop everything I picked up, the fish tank needed filled, I was running late. I made it to work with a few minutes to spare. Along the way, I prayed that God would erase the frustrations of the morning and make it a good day despite the rough beginning. I started my work day just like any other day. I checked my email, poured a cup of coffee and went to do my breakfast duty. When I came back to my room, there it was in the middle of my desk - a bright orange gift bag with polka dot tissue paper sticking out of the top. I couldn't fathom what might be in that bag or where it came from. 

Ladies and gentlemen, I'm here to tell you that this gift bag was God's way of turning this day around! You see, last Sunday I "visited" our old church. With my family all working, I went to my comfort zone to see "old" friends. There's a family that now goes there. They have two girls who go to my school. I saw them there. They were surprised to see me. At school during the week, the older girl asked me how I liked it. I explained to her that I had gone to that church for a long time. My husband and I had our wedding reception there, our daughter was dedicated there, I was baptized there. I told her it was great to be back and see everyone. 

On Friday, she asked me if I had gotten a visitor bag. They give little bags of "goodies" to people when they visit. Kind of a way to let people know they care. I've never been given a visitor bag at a church before. I know there are other churches that do it. Even when I've visited, I've never been given one. I explained to her that I hadn't picked one up because I didn't really feel like I was a visitor. 

Yesterday when she was at church, she picked up a visitor bag and brought it to me at school today. This bright orange bag contained a candle, bookmark, hand cream, bag of microwave popcorn and a nice letter from the church. But it contained more than that...something invisible to the naked eye. It contained love. This sweet 5th grader cared more than many adults do. Or at least she knew how to show she cared. I got lots of hugs from many friends last Sunday. But this little gift bag may have been the best result from "visiting" that day. 

Thanks for thinking of me and showing me you care, Katelyn! I needed this today! And God, thanks for using Katelyn to turn my day around!