Out of the Blue

Running late…again. And it’s not like I can blame the little people because I’ve been trying to catch up with myself my entire life. This time, I was driving Songbird to the airport, and missing the flight was not an option. We’d dealt with delay after delay—dropping off her younger siblings, missing an exit, an emergency stop for gas, and now, having to circle the airport because for the life of me, I just couldn’t figure out where to enter the parking garage for Terminal A. I refused to give up or let on to Songbird how worried I was, so I murmured, “Okay, Lord, You have to show me where to go” and applied my lipstick. I didn’t know where I was going, but I knew I had to be ready once I got there.

A few moments later, flashing lights appeared out of nowhere. Frustrated with the unknown lawbreaker who was causing yet another delay, I pulled over to let the police car pass. Imagine my shock when lo and behold, the officer followed me to the breakdown lane! I pictured Songbird’s airplane pushing away from the gate as I watched him get out of his car and stride purposely toward us. I parted my newly glossed lips in a smile and asked innocently, “Yes, officer?”

“Ma’am, I saw you put on your lipstick while you were driving and you made chills creep up my spine. Next time, please pull over to the side before you fix your face.”

Eager to continue my frantic circling, grateful he hadn’t ticketed me for reckless driving, relieved I wouldn’t be the subject of the latest viral video, all I could do was muster, “I’m so sorry, yes, sir, of course.” At first. But as he walked away, the clouds cleared and I called out, “Excuse me, but could you please tell me how to get to the garage for Terminal A?” Without one second of hesitation, this unnamed angel of mercy and instrument of God’s grace responded, “Sure, it’s right up here. Follow me, I’ll lead you.”

Yes, that’s right, God had sent this man in blue. He didn’t answer my prayer in the way I’d expected, but God certainly responded thoroughly and effectively. And more than that, He sent some wise counsel my way by telling me, “Robin, girl, keep your eyes on the road and off the mirror.” God doesn’t always respond how I want Him to, but He constantly dispenses unmerited grace and mercy and provides direction in exactly the way I need. Maybe I’m always running late, but He is always on time. “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)