'Round and 'round we go

Yesterday as we drove into a choice parking spot my friend exclaimed "Thank you Jesus!"  It was a great spot, I had to admit, but her exclamation caught me off guard and made me think.  It's great to have an 'attitude of gratitude' I know.  Also great to 'practise the presence of Jesus' by remembering even in the middle of our daily routine that he cares about us.  I'll admit, I've asked him to give me a spot in very stressful circumstances like when I am driving in a strange city and terrified of getting lost or mugged.  "Jesus help me find a spot - Thank you Jesus!"

But as a general rule I don't do that.  When I heard my friend say it yesterday I immediately pictured Jesus sitting in the car with me in the opposite situation.  As we drove 'round and 'round in front of the movie theatre in pouring rain, late for the movie, he said "Duuude..." and shook his head in dismay along with me as we strained our eyes looking for a non-existent spot. I was stressing about my friend who was waiting for me inside, and he clucked his tongue and then smiled a 'yep, this is a drag' smile at me.  Together in the dark car with the rain pouring down, he was still enjoying my company and loving me.  His calm nearness reminded me not to let this situation steal my good mood.  Maybe we'd even have a laugh or few more minutes of conversation as we drove 'round and 'round.

I wonder if I reacted to my friend's comment because we people can have the tendency to think God is smiling down on us when things work out well (and we say 'thank you Jesus), but we think he must have looked the other way for a minute when things don't go so smoothly.  I don't think so.  I also don't think of God up there arranging everything that happens to me.  Sometimes timing and coincidence are just too amazing not to give him thanks for his leading and provision.  But for many many things in life I think he is walking with me in my story; always loving, sometimes rejoicing, sighing and even crying with me as things unfold.  I know that he too is experienced with the ups and downs of life, and the power isn't always in controlling it but in living with him in it.  Realizing his presence is transforming.  He is Emmanuel.  Thank you Jesus!

For my cousin Joy - praying for a primo spot for you, but also that you have some special memories with Jesus as you are driving 'round and 'round in the rain.  Love and prayers, Shelley.