Had a NASTY encounter with a dude who works at the front desk of the extended stay hotel my mom, dog and I are living in until we get another house. Frankly, I should've moved to another suite, but after packing the house and lugging our must-have junk here, my back is hurting more than my pride (only Jesus and a tiny fear of a lawsuit are keeping me from naming the place). The luxury stay I was expecting has been drenched in frustration (mine) and fear (mom's). Don't get me wrong, I know there are FAR worse places we could be. Heck, we've LIVED in worse places, but still we're feeling very unsettled.
I went to church, just excited to get away from the room. They aren't holding us hostage, but we've been informed (in this "pet-friendly" establishment) that the dog barks when we aren't around and that's not acceptable. Most restaurants, stores and attractions simply aren't dog friendly and its been waaaay too hot to just hang at the park, so... I was REALLY looking forward to church. As soon as I looked at the bulletin and found out the pastor was out the disappointment hit. I sighed and thought, "Oh no! We've got a guest minister! She probably won't be as good as the pastor!" Well, Dr. Cassandra Jones, I publicly apologize for my misguided thoughts. You blew me away! Her sermon was all about going from "worry to worship" and it focused on the time she spent living in an extended stay hotel. Her lengthy stay felt like exile, until she realized her tiny room was her sanctuary. It was a place where her faith was tested and blossomed. If ever there was a message meant for ME this was it. Coincidence? NO WAY!
It's day 10 of the Suite Life of Mona and Wheezy. Instead of worrying about closing on the new home, coordinating the move into the new home, fixing up the new home... I'm going to spend a little time in prayer for the folks in this city and around the world who can only dream of staying in a place like this. I'm going to talk to my pals at A Child's Place to find out what the homeless kids still need for the upcoming school year. and I'm going to try to fall asleep before Wheezy so that I'll be in la-la land before she starts snoring.
3 comments:
Oh, Ramona, what a lovely story. You are right, totally not a coincidence. I love how we are handed the message we most need right when we need it or the lesson we need to learn right when we are ready to learn it. Thanks for the reminder to be ready to receive.
I completely agree - NO COINCIDENCE! Fortunately, your ears were open to hear it and you didn't tune out during the sermon because it was not your minister!
I did not know you were moving! I am, too. We have to move in 30 days to a house full of my late father-in-law's junk. How will we get his house cleaned out, our house cleaned out and moved? I was going to say "there is no way," but then again I realize I must have faith!
I completely agree - NO COINCIDENCE! Fortunately, your ears were open to hear it and you didn't tune out during the sermon because it was not your minister!
I did not know you were moving! I am, too. We have to move in 30 days to a house full of my late father-in-law's junk. How will we get his house cleaned out, our house cleaned out and moved? I was going to say "there is no way," but then again I realize I must have faith!
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