This is the Key

They came in together and sat down at a booth. I got their drinks and watched them as they waited for their food to come. They sat there, sometimes talking and sometimes in silence, holding hands across the table. The food came up and I brought it out. Once they got it they reached again for the hands of the other and he began to pray. He prayed aloud for two minutes, quietly thanking God for whatever was on his heart and mind. 

As I came back again to their table to attend to more needs, I asked them how long they had been married. 13 years. They were in their late 50s. I said to them that it was an encouragement to me to see how much they loved each other and the way that they prayed. 

They told me when I came again that "this was the key" to making a marriage work like theirs did as they handed me a salvation tract. I thanked them, and assured them that, yes, I do go to church. 

As they left, I watched them go out the door and walk to their car. He went to her door first and opened it and helped her in before going to his own. 

It was beautiful to see, and so simple. It's just Love. 

I was having a hard day today. As I talked with Joshua tonight he said something about it being an opportunity for me to see that I can't do it alone. And I can't. I wasn't even fully alone, but I couldn't make it through the day without consciously being with God for at least part of it. And I am ashamed to say that I hadn't spent any time with God today. 

I can't do it alone. We won't be able to do marriage right without God, and I can't make it through a single day on my own without falling into some sort of terrible misery. 

It was a good little reminder for today. I need God. Everywhere. Every day. And I always will. 

Hey, God; I Need You

A thought flashed to mind today as I was working. One of my co-workers' section was slammed with people all in a five minute span at lunchtime today. As she went about trying to get all their drinks and orders, she looked rushed, but also like she had it basically under control; besides, we didn't know exactly what she needed and our help would be unwelcome until she asked for it. 

Then my boss asked her if she'd gotten drinks for one of the tables. She replied no, she hadn't had time. He told her to ask someone to help. "I need a diet and a water," she said. 

"Alright." I grabbed them for her and as she flew by she barked orders to take them to "right four." 

It's of little consequence what actually happened, but in the moment a thought crossed my mind. I wondered how often we go about life and wonder why there is no one there to help us and stress about how we can't do it on our own, but the whole time there really is someone there. If not a human presence, then God is always ready and able to give us what we need.

The thing is, people don't always see the need. We need to be told sometimes. 

And God, well, He always knows what's going on, but He doesn't usually step in until we say, "Hey, God, I could use a little help down here. I can't do it on my own. I need you."

And we always do.