The Right Time, The Right Place
The other day my husband and I were out running some errands. At one of the stops, he took some time to visit with someone, while I sat and waited. Knowing we needed to get going so we could get the rest of our errands run, I began to get fidgety. Nearly thirty minutes later, he finally stopped talking and said it was time for us to move on. Our next stop was the grocery store, where we purchased a few things and mailed some letters. Hurrying towards the door, all I could think about was getting home, fixing some lunch, and getting back to work on my recent novel. However, God had other plans. Just as we were nearing the door, a woman we hadn’t seen in a long time, approached us. In a few short words she told us about some difficulties she and her family had been going through, and we were able to offer her counsel. Heading out the door twenty minutes later, after inviting her to church and saying that we would be praying for her situation, a sudden thought came to me. If my husband hadn’t taken so long talking to the person he’d met at our first stop of the morning, we would have been done with our shopping and home by now. And if that had happened, we would have missed the opportunity to speak with the lady who needed to share her story with us. We were definitely at the right place, at the right time, but only because we’d been delayed.
Have you ever been in a situation similar to mine, where you wished you didn’t have to wait for someone, and then later found out that because you were late, you met someone who needed you to listen? Or perhaps, in being late, you were spared from an accident of some sort.
As this new year begins, I’m asking the Lord to give me more patience and help me to remember that having to wait on someone or being late isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes, like it happened for us, that extra half hour delay turned out to be a blessing.
Whenever my husband and I go out it seems that we always take longer than planned for. He’s a real laid back and friendly kind of person. I usually like to keep on schedule with things. I’m short on patience sometimes. But than I miss a lot of things going on around me. My husband is usually the one to see the mother with the baby stroller trying to get into the store, while hanging onto a squirming 2 year old.
I do believe that there’s a reason for everything that happens. Like you mentioned in your letter, if you and your husband had kept on schedule than you would have missed the lady who needed someone to talk to . I’m working on breaking my old habbits and taking more time for those around me. We miss a lot of opportunities to do Gods work when we are too punctual.
I hope you had a lovely Christmas and wish you and your husband and family a Happy New Year.
Look forward to your new books this year.
God Bless.
Wanda,
I believe that God puts us in situations, and it’s up to us to witness, and help each other.
Like the Amish, we need to slow down, smell the roses, and take care of each other. Sometimes, all it takes is a smile and hello to a stranger, or hug a friend.
Blessings to you and yours,
Laurel
God has the power to do magical things and what we may see at first as a pain in the end ends up being the best blessing that one could ask for. A couple of weeks ago now I got the best Christmas gift one could ask for and I was so blessed by it, and than found out that when I was at the bank the teller got a special gift too, when we started talking it turns out we both had so much in common; after Christmas I saw the teller again and she stopped me to tell me that I made her day and that her Christmas was a pure blessing. One could not ask for more than that.
As I read your post, I knew immediately where it was going, even before you got to the end. It has happened to me in the past. I can’t remember any specific instances but I remember the feeling, so much so that when I am stopped by a red light, I am thankful to God, as I believe there was a purpose in my having to wait those extra few seconds. I believe there is a purpose for everything, including unexpected delays. God puts us in specific places for specific reasons. We just have to open our hearts and minds to them, whether we understand the why of it at the time.
I hope you and your family have a very blessed 2014.
One of the hardest and most precious spiritual gifts is that of being where one is, when one is. May we all receive the grace to cultivate that gift.
Wanda, thanks for sharing your story. I, too, have been in many situations that God has allowed my husband and I to be in. He is a Pastor and Chaplain at our local hospital and there are times I get impatient waiting on him when he gets called to the hospital for a dying family member and he gets involved with all the family members for days sometimes. He will go to the Wake and be there for the family. Usually I go with him and the family will express to me what a blessing my husband has been to them through the ordeal with their loved one. That’s when I start feeling guilty for all the times I felt he was taking away from our family to be with them. The Lord showed me that He knows how I feel but that I need to share my Faith with others, which is what my husband has been doing all along. So that is what I’m learning to do is to show others God’s love by being there with them or sharing my Faith with them. God has delayed us in order to show us His love and that He’s looking out for our best interests.
I am visually impaired unable to drive so waiting on someone or something is a part of life but I do believe that taking time to interact with our environment affords us valuable lessons like the blessings The Lord has given us I may not be able to see well but I can really know a true person from the inside I’d rather wait on someone than them have to wait on me because I hope that my being in their lives will bless their lives in some small way
If we would just slow down, listen and wait for God to direct us, we would have a much better life. Most likely help more people and gain a greater insight into the path that God is leading us.
Carol, I agree completely although I have sometimes wished God would send me a telegram so I wouldn’t miss the instructions he’s giving me. Our God is so great and we are so blessed.
I think that has happened to me many times. Something like had I not been so late waiting on a friend to go job hunting . I may not of found that restaurant manager in such a tizzy that he spoke to me for about two minutes then hired me on the spot. Also if I hadn’t been forced to go to the spay clinic in the next county because ours had a waiting list,then I never probly would of found such a nice home for the stray kitten I was getting spayed. I had taken 2 cats to be spayed and the one was a stray that I was feeding. There was another woman there and she just saw the little stray and fell in love with her. She said we only have one cat and 3 little girls. I would love a cat like that. I said you can adopt her. Then she paid me the spay fee and paid for the cats shots as well. I was so happy because it was a real struggle to come up with extra funds to fix all the strays that I have been getting fixed. I have feral cats and stray cats but I catch them and spay them. They usually become really tame as this one was because the kids were always trying to pet her. I felt blessed that another kitty had found a home.
I know I am guilty of trying to get everything done “on time” and not taking the time to enjoy life. One of my goals for 2014 is to slow down and enjoy life, friends and family more! I enjoy your books and look forward to the new releases in 2014!
God sends us where we need to be! He has the knowledge to take things out of our hands!
One experience stands out clearly in my mind…we were on our way out of a resteraunt when one of our group got a phone call. It seemed to me that it went on overly long, but as we pulled out of the parking lot we saw brake lights all over the road. We got to the scene of the accident while the wheels on the over turned vehicle were still spinning. As former firefighter and EMT, my brother and his wife were able to help until authorities arrived. I have never looked at so called delays in the same way again! Since then there have been other life changing incidents, but this one was the most profound. Thanks, Wanda for the opportunity to win, have have a Blessed and Prosperous and Happy New Year
I work in pharmacy and I consider my entire job to be a ministry. I have so many older folks who call on the phone and come in for their prescriptions. The tendency is to speed the transaction along and I refuse to do business that way. I may be the only human interaction these people have the whole day and I am going to take the time that they need. My wish is for everyone to leave me as a happier person than they were. It is the moments of human interaction that make life worthwhile.
One incident has always stuck in our minds that made us realize that the Lord watches over us even when we are not aware of it. We had been to a wedding in Indiana and were heading home to Ohio with our toddler daughter and my in-laws. We wanted to get home, but my husband was getting sleepy and decided he really needed to stop and get a caffeine-loaded soft drink. The waitress was very slow and we were all getting antsy. After the delay, we came to a town about one-half hour later where a tornado had just passed over the road and hit an apartment complex. The emergency personnel were not even there yet. If we had not been delayed, we probably would have been in the tornado. That ended our complaining over a delay! Have a blessed new year!
God always puts us at “The Right Time, The Right Place.”
Reading this reminds me of my father. He is 88 now and living in a nursing home. I hated going on vacation with my parents once I became a teenager because he would always find someone, everywhere that he could find something in common with. My mother and I would finally end up in the car waiting on him. He was a great salesman, and could sell ice cream to Eskimos. (actually he did work for an ice crem company). I look back now and wish for those days. He has dementia and has a hard time even remembering close family and friends. I know sometimes it’s aggravating when you’re in a hurry and you have to slow way down when being with them, but cherish the time you have left.
I have had the same thing happen to me. There is always a reason, it seems, that you are put in a certain situation, so that you can maybe help someone or miss something bad.
God bless you Wanda, and keep writing your beautiful books.
I would love to win one of your contests.
Being patient is often hard for a lot of us. I also tend to get antsy when I have to wait unexpected. It ruins my plan or schedule and I feel flustered. I just watched a video on you tube called Get Service, I shared this with my church because of the powerful message. The guy is very impatient, waiting on traffic, waiting on his coffee, then someone hands him a pair of glasses and he puts them on…..he then sees what he was missing while being in a hurry. With this video I have taught myself to slow down and remember that people matter more than time! If we live for time than we are not living as God has planned us to do-we are here to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Thanks Wanda for a chance to win- what an awesome giveaway! Happy new year!
I can’t think of one time but over the years I’ve had that “well if this hadn’t happened this wouldn’t have happen thought”.
There have been numerous times when I have experienced similiar situations as you wrote about, Wanda. It is, however, my spouse that is in a big hurry! Sometimes I feel myself becoming aggravated with his need to contantly rush everywhere and with everything. I just have to make myself realize that God puts us exactly where he wants us to be and, as long as we listen to Him, we are in a position to do what God wants us to do. Realizing that we just might be where God wants us to be, though, is not always easy to do. The ‘human’ in us pushes us to do more, be more, at the same time that God wants us to wait for Him. I often think that the secret to life is not only to love God, but to listen and abide life according to God’s plan, remembering that in the end, it is those things done for God that matter. I see this as a common thread that is woven into the fiber of the Amish life and into all your stories. ‘Seeing’ this brings such a wonderful balm of peace to my soul.
I think God always cares for those who obey and love Him. This reminds me of a dear friend of mine who has lost many of her family members, including her Mother and brother. She would call and we would pray. And she would say why? Why? All I could say was God has a plan. Now that years have passed there have been many circumstances that have allowed her to see that God spared these people in many ways. He is so good.
God puts us in the right place at the right time. May God bless you this new year of 2014.
There are always some good reason that you get delayed. Everyone needs to slow down and look around them. So glad you were there for the woman when she needed to talk and some one to leson to her.
Like your husband, my also likes to talk and talk no matter how much of a hurry we are in. I do get “antsy” when he does this while I am waiting to move on. However, in this fast paced world, we do need to slow down and take it easier. Stop and chat with someone you haven’t seen in a while. Tomorrow is promised to no one and one never knows when you may have missed an opportunity to give someone a kind word or a listening ear or just made that person smile.
Tomorrow might be too late.
Dear Wanda,
This is a good word for us. The Lord has been showing my husband and myself that we need to be less task orientated because we miss opportunities to talk to and minister to others. Another thing I have done to simplify my life is to clean out excess. Have gotten rid of extra nick knacks and other decorative items. Takes less time to pick up and clean. Now I need to start on the excess in storage closets that I probably will not use again! Enjoy your insights.
Pastor Jan
I think when things are meant to happen they will happen. There is a reason for everything.
I truely believe things happen for a reason. As I’ve grown older I have become more patient & not in such a hurry. Stopping to “smell the roses”.
My mother taught us to see what others don’t see. When I was young I didn’t understand what she meant. But as my sister and I got older, be began to see what she meant. Look for the unexpected, look for the child that wants to ride the penny pony, but doesn’t have a penny. A parent that has a fussy child while dining and they think they are disturbing the other diners. A mother trying to get the children in a car and also unload their shopping cart. Most times you only see people helping others during the holiday season, when this help is needed all the time. My husband help at a Salvation Army home for single/battered mothers with children, my husband helps with the maintenance and I make quilts and pillow cases for the families that when they leave the home they can take with them. I also volunteer at a historical attraction and when families are taking photos of family groups I ask them if I can take the photo so everyone can be in the picture. Where most times there is a person that takes all of the photos and are never are in the photos. We lost our mother 2 years ago, and my sister and I had people come up and tell us what she had done for them over the years. I’m glad my mom taught us to see what others don’t. I was blessed to have a very loving and caring mother. I’ve also taught this to my daughters.
thanks for sharing this story. I like being able to have a flexible schedule just for those times when I need to spend extra time. I don’t know how people do it having to take this child to dance, another to gym and another to club…etc. I get tired just thinking about doing it all.
Patience is something that has to be worked on every day. It doesn’t come easy. The Lord has a plan behind everything that happens. If your husband hadn’t stopped to talk to his friend, you may not have had the chance to offer kindness to someone in need. Sometimes we should stop and count to 10 before we speak or act. The Lord has a plan in everything that happens.
I know God is always watching us, and chooses where and when you are in a certain place.
My husband and I always looked forward to the day when our children were grown and we had more time and a slower pace in life. Ha! Life is moving faster than ever and our days are often too full. We started learning, however, 3-1/2 years ago that it is up to us to “put on the brakes” and enjoy our family. Our 23 year old son drowned. You never know how much time you have with family members or those you meet along the way. Stop. Listen. Love.
Divine intervention indeed! The same thing has happened to me numerous times. My girls and I will be heading out the driveway, get to the end (3/4s of a mile from our house), and I will remember that I forgot something at home. I will turn the van around, head back the almost mile to the house, and grab what I forgot. As we get further on our travels and reach the first “busy” road (about ten minutes from home), we will happen upon a bad accident. What if I hadn’t forgotten that item? What if I hadn’t turned back? What if???? I give it all up to God! He protects us ALWAYS…even if it is by me forgetting an item at home and going back for it, thus missing a collision on the road. HE is the master of all, and I will be forever grateful that my travels have led me to Him.
It just goes to show God knows what is best in our life. God bless you..
I’m not a very patience person myself. I’ve been getting better over the years. I was always taught from my mother that things happen for a reason. I know over the years that I have been late and have missed a couple accidents which I always figured that someone was watching over me.
I had a situation with a friend when we were delayed and a few minutes later came upon a very serious car accident…if we had not been delayed, it very easily could have been us. Patience is not an easy thing for me…but I’m learning that God’s timing is always best.
Oh, I love it when our Lord directs His appointments for us! Sometimes it’s hard to remember all He wants is our availability! Deferring to God’s agenda is the best way to go! When we respond to His call, He usually arranges things so we get the important done.
One summer the high school principal and I, the elementary school principal, were charged with filling the empty employee positions for the next school year since the school was temporarily without a headmaster. We interviewed and interviewed for a particular position and couldn’t find the person we felt would be right for that position. One applicant was out of the country for most of the summer, and we had to wait until shortly before school began to interview her. Normally I would have been nervous about not having filled that position, but I had a peace about that situation. When we were finally able to interview the applicant whom we had to wait so long to interview, I knew that God had rewarded our patience with a gem. She was perfect for the position and did an excellent job. We rejoiced and praised God for her!
God is in control and he knows why things happen the way they do ( even if we don’t ).
Thank you for your journal entry. As I read it I couldn’t help but to think of my father. My father was like your husband….no one was a stranger and was always available to help anyone in need…Thank you for the sweet reminder.
My husband & I stay in Lakeland, Florida for five months in the winter. We were going to get up & leave at 5:00A.M the morning we were leaving. My husband woke up at 2:00A.M. & said lets go now. A bad storm hit just a few hours later that upset airplanes at the little local airport. It did a lot of damage. We were just a little bit ahead of the storm all the way home. We didn’t know about it until someone called us later. The Lord was definitely looking out for us.
I used to get upset at delays for apparently no reason. Then I was talking to my pastor one day, and he said that God saves us from so much and does so many things for us that we don’t even know about. He calls them “miscellaneous mercies”. I’ve kept that in mind!
This reminds me of the story of Jesus and Lazarus. Jesus waited and didn’t rush to Lazarus to prevent his death. Instead, He waited and went later. Although Lazarus had passed, Jesus raised him from the dead. Praise God! We know from the account of this story in the bible, that through this miracle faith was restored and deepened. We may lose our faith that God has a perfect plan, when it doesn’t always go our way. God’s plan is perfect. We don’t always know the impact a “by chance” meeting will have on someone else. But, if we always go prepared to tell and share the good news of God’s grace, it will be perfect. This year, I am praying to be more of a vessel for the good news story, taking every opportunity to share about Him, and I started by replying to your post. God Bless.
God works in mysterious ways– that 1st visit instead of fidgety, I would asked God what else is to be done today. Your interaction with the troubled women, only goes to show where God wants his earthly angels to be. Healthy and Happy New year to you and your husband and family.
I haven’t had it happen personally but a time or two when my parents travelled something would delay them and it ended up saving them from being in a big pile up wreck. So I do believe things happen for a reason!
I, like you, many times am in a hurry to go somewhere or do something, and then that unexpected thing happens where I am interrupted by a visit or phone call. Most recently I have been having some health issues. I have not wanted to discuss them with friends or my fellow coworkers, and have only told my family and my supervisor. I so much wanted to visit with one of my “closest” friends, but I didn’t want to play the “pity” game. The friend I can visit with the easiest with was out of state visiting family, so I couldn’t call her. The night before I was going in for a procedure that had me a little scared, one of my friends who moved away called and wanted to know how I was doing. I saw her about a month ago and told her I was having some health issues, but at that time I hadn’t gone in for any testing. Anyway, the night before my procedure (2 days before Christmas), she called and wanted to know how I felt. I really didn’t feel like visiting, but I told her the whole story. During our 54 minute conversation she told me she would pray for me and later in a text wrote “Trust in the Lord”. The next morning I went in for the procedure and later that day found the test was “negative”. Now we need to do more testing, but most of the things I/we were worried about have been eliminated. I do believe that God was listening to my prayers and had my friend call me that evening to give me the strength that I needed. I am glad that I took the time to listen. Happy New Year.
Being in the right place at the right time has happened to us so many times. I am usually the one who is impatient and waiting for my husband. I have learned he is talking to the person because they really needed to tell their story.
God puts us where he needs us to be at all times.
I remember my parents were at the bowling alley and got detained from leaving . I’m not sure why I guess it was The Lord that stopped them. When they wenleft they came across a wreck it was a couple from the bowling alley ant they were in a bad wreck. If my parents would of left nbefore it would of been them. I bless The Lord fir stopping them. I’m sorry for the other couple.
One of my favorite sayings: Knowing God is NEVER late, makes it easier to wait.
I heard so many stories about the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center and how many got delayed from making it to work that day. God’s timing is always perfect.
We just never know how important we are to someone or some situation. I, too, have been getting rid of extra “stuff”. It’s such a “freeing” feeling.
I believe there are reasons for everything we do in life. What you and your husband did was wonderful and the women in distress was meant to run into that particular day at that time. So being delayed was a blessing on everyone’s part. There have been times that I think that we are at the right place to help those that need guidance. I remember a year ago New Years, I was outside with my dog and my neighbor was hurt and no one was helping her. I brought her into my house to find out what she needed and give her guidance. She spoke with my daughter for hours and got her some medical help as well. She was very much appreciative of it.
Thank you and have a very Happy New Year!
This really hit home and I vowed again that I would try to have more patience – with the Lord’s help. My husband is a pastor and he often gets into conversations with people – not always work related – but he has the “gift of gab” and loves to talk with people. I am usually on a mission and waiting around for him to finish often getting fidgety and clearing my throat and paceing which doesn’t seem to bother him in the least. There usually isn’t any urgent reason for my lack of patience – maybe just boredom and I am really going to try to do better. I know at times he has really helped people and even brought some new people into the church so I must guard against my lack of sensitivity. “Lord, give me patience and give it to me now.” ( :- )
When I am in a hurry to get somewhere and things like red lights or some one driving way under the speed limit are slowing me down it sometimes aggravates me. Then I get to thinking that maybe God is trying to slow me down for a reason, maybe to avoid an accident or some other reason. It helps me to just slow down and appreciate what God has given us and how He watches over us every day. So every time some one or some thing slows me down, I just think that it is God helping me to avoid a bad situation or that I was meant to be delayed for some other purpose that could help someone .
Yes, I have had similar things to happen to me. always for a reason.
Long ago I was a rush rush person (type A) who would be stressed all of the time especially when I had to wait. I was so much worse at work. I got a new job at a doctor’s office that had a slower pace and a two-hour lunch break (I had previously been working a an RN in the hospital). While at that job, I learned to slow down and enjoy life. That was in 1980. I have never looked back. I raised my son, born in 1984, as a single mother, while working as a nurse in hospitals. He was a difficult child but because I was no longer type A personality, we made it through. After I became disabled, it was when he was a teenager and he needed me at home more. Now, at almost 30, we are truly best friends.
I don’t understand when people don’t expect to wait for things. Count on waiting in lines. Use it as a quiet time for your mind. Count on waiting at doctor’s offices. Bring a book. Expect traffic. Leave earlier. They are just forced times to remember to slow down and enjoy life and see what is around us. Use the time to think, pray, meditate.
Yes God is in control. On a trip to see our sons we had a plastic bag blow across the highway and land on the front of our vehicle. Having this happen before and get stuck on something hot and mess of the vehicle my husband pulled over and removed it. A couple miles down the road the three cars that had passed us while we were pulled over had all been in an accident. HE does watch out for us down here when we ask.
Thank you for taking time to speak to that lady in the grocery store, you may never know how much it meant to her.
I love when Gods timing stops us and causes us to slow down and respond. When I feel my prayers are not being answered or I feel like I am not making a difference, I find myself reading my daily journal looking for the nuggets of hope I have experienced because of Gods perfect timing. Life happens all around us, good and bad things. In all things give thanks .
One time that came to mind after reading all the replies above was the time I ran into the store to get a few pieces of fabric for the quilting group at my church, which I am not apart of. I was in a rush and I ran into this older lady that is the head of the group. She is such a fun smiling lady and always laughing. We got to talking and she told me her husband had passed away 4 years ago. She then told me about one of her daughters and how she acted towards him and her and still goes on. She does not get to see her grandkids much. I felt that time I spent listening and watching her cried showed me that life of others and not always what you expect it to be. This gave me another name to pray for.
I am asking the Lord to give me more patience in the coming year, especially with my dear husband. He is such a wonderful Godly man and I thank God for him. We’ve been married over 52 years and have so blessed in our marriage.
I look forward to reading more of your books……….always a blessing and encouragement to me.
I remember a time when I was running late to take my daily walk and I was so mad that I could have taken it and been back my now. God had plans for me because if I was not running late I would of been at the exact spot where there was a shooting and a man was killed. That could of been me or my friend.
I had an Acoustic Neuroma when I has younger and had young children. When we would go to the store for groceries thy would ask why everyone stared at me. I had the opportunity to talk to my own children about the way people see us and are curious about us. They would sometime be angry with them and I had the opportunity to teach them about caring. I thank the Lord for being able to use things like this to teach them.
Bless you is your endeavors to teach as well as write books.
Over the years I have often wondered why certain things happened in my life. Only to have something occur later that reassures me that God is always in control. I think the Lord is always trying to teach me patience. It is reassuring to know that he has a plan for my life.
God is in control, no matter what or where the situation. He always puts us in the right place at the right time.
Absolutely! Bless you and Richard for being so open to God’s leading, and to find the good in each situation you encounter.
I have had many of these experiences also. It is so comforting to know God orders our day. He works out our encounters. He knows when we can help someone. I am learning to hear his promptings. Thank you for sharing!
My mantra has always been that God makes things work out the way they are supposed. Sometimes we may not like His plan but in the end He knows best.
I really appreciated your journal entry today. I believe our Lord puts us in a time and place for a purpose a though we might not understand why at the moment it may become quite clear shortly afterwards.
I am a big believer in everything happens for a reason. Nothing is a surprise to God. We tend to only think with our earthly minds and forget to use our eternal minds.I allow myself to get overly stressed all the time because of this.I have not figured out a way to stop doing it. Pray for me,ok?
Whenever I’m held up in traffic or delayed for one reason or the other, I don’t get angry or impatient because I believe there is a reason that I’m being delayed one way or the other.
Yesterday my employer closed the office three hours early so that we could all clelbrated New Year’s Eve. This gave me the opportunity to attend the 5 p.m. service at my Church. One woman had been recovering from a serious illness, and I hadn’t seen her in close to a year. She, of course, looked different except for her beautiful smile. I took her hand and told it that it was so good to see her, and others began to greet her. The special gift was to see that beaming smile on her husband’s face as people saw her as her old self, instead of reacting to the difference in her appearance. Nothing could ever alter her smile.
After the service I was approached by a visitor from another state, who noticed the religious bracelet I was wearing. I was able to tell her about a certain priest who gave the service where I got the bracelet, and she was grateful to learn of his website. What a way great way it was to end the year. If I had to work until 5 o’clock, these beautiful experiences would not have happened.
This is a good word for me–I’m often in a hurry-very focused-& then GOD “interrupts!”
Sometimes I get so flustered and impatient, and it isn’t until later that–usually just before I fall asleep–that I have the “aha–oops–I missed/ or almost missed” a GOD lesson, or, an opportunity to minister to someone!
PS-I LOVE your books!
I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason so there was a reason he took so long. you needed to be where you was in the end at that time.
Yes, we have been lucky avoiding an MVA because my son had to take a bathroom break! I am thankful for those moments that show someone is looking after us!
My husband always says it takes twice as long as should to go in town w/ me cuz I always stop and talk to someone about the Lord or a situation they r in. I know it’s the timing of the Lord not just a happen stance.
A couple years ago, I was forced to retire because of major nerve damage to my hands and the resulting pain. After 20 years they wanted me to do more work than I could handle. By doing this, I was forced to slow down. I now have time to read, work on genaology and spend time at home and when my hands don’t hurt too much crochet a little. I’ve also got to know more about my favorite authors and other things on the internet. Funny how being forced to slow down has made me happier. I will say that one day when leaving work, I didn’t leave right away and talked to one of my co-workers. When I left work about 10 minutes later, the one road up the hill I would have taken, was blocked because of a wreck halfway up, that happened about the time I would have been traveling it. The Lord is so good sometimes.
I read this the other day actually in a seperate email before the contest email today…It got me to thinking really…and the whole idea of patience is a virtue. It still amazes me how HGod works through others and us all together..I am proud to say youre one of ym favorite authros and teach us that taking time to smell the roses not only benefits us, others–but also God himself.
The gifts and blessings and fulfillments in our hearts are priceless when we tak the time to realize and let God work in our hearts. Thank you for this sotry Wanda, after just finishing the Bride of LeHigh Canal a cple days ago (downloaded on my kindle) Im anxiously awaiting another long trilogy from you in the future….xoxo and HAPPY New Year to you & Richard!!
Thank you for sharing your story about delays. I also have had times when I was delayed but found out later there was really a reason for the delay. At the time, I was not happy about the delay, but when the reason was discovered, I knew God had a reason for it. In fact, I just purchased a Bible Study entitled, Life Interrupted by Priscilla Shirer. I haven’t started it yet but thought this was the jest of the study. I need to learn that when interruptions come, there is usually an unknown reason for same. Praying you and yours have a Happy New Year. God bless.
Your books have lead me to a slower, quitier life because of the amish influence. I have learned to enjoy the b irds, flowers, cloud formations and even storms approaching. Thank you for bringing me closer to our Lord and His leadings.
My son and I went out lat one night to go to Wal Marts..As we were about to leave I met a friend and we stood and talked for about 45 minutes..Finally my son told me it was time to go so we left.On the way home as we turned off onto out road we seen some tennis shoes on the side of the road.We turned around, went back and we seen that it was a dead boy laying on the road..We called the sheriffs dept, they came out and told us that if we had bee 15 minutes earlier we would have been killed too (a drug deal gone bad)…This happened about 18 years ago and the murder has never been solves…God had me and my son in the right place at the right time…God bless wal marts and a friend to talk too….
Wanda, I know exactly what you mean. God puts us in situations where we need to be. You never can tell how very very much that lady needed you and how very much you helped her by just being there to listen to her and pray for her!
This happens to us all the time, Divine Appointments! They are a blessing for sure!
My family and I were on our way to visit family in southwest Indiana. Part way there I decided I just had to buy a crochet hook and yarn so I could crochet while we drove. Found out later that a large backhoe had backed over a hill above the highway we were traveling on. Had it not been for that stop our vehicle would have been in the exact spot where the backhoe accident occurred! God is good and his protecting angels were guarding us!
As I read your journal entry, I was reminded about different things that God has used to benefit me in the past. I was in a car accident in October 2009, it totaled my car but I wasn’t hurt bad. I bought a new car and in December 2011 I was in another accident and totaled my car. If I had been in the first car (which was smaller) I would have been injured worse, I again walked away from it. I have learned that God uses all circumstances for his good, and he is good all the time.
I am a director of a large early childhood center and I can say that I have loads of patience for children and their parents. I am often helping children adjust to a new environment and answering questions from parents. Besides my career, I have a wonderful husband, four grown children, and four grandchildren. We enjoy spending time together and sharing our lives. I also spend alot of time helping to care for my elderly mother and mother-in-law. But I have to admit that I sometimes lost my patience when we were out shopping or running errands, because they have really slowed down and I didn’t plan enough time to allow for this. After reading your stories and learning how the Amish care deeply for their older folks, it inspired me to cherish the time I have with my mom and mother-in-law. I feel blessed that I live close enough and can assist them and do things with them. I remind myself that my mom has done so much for me from the time I was a baby and it still goes on today. I need to be there for her now that she needs me.
I know how this feels…I can get so impatient when I have to wait. I am trying to look at it as a time to be prayerful, which has helped.
I’m an OTR Truck Driver, I run all 48 states and because of my job I’ve gotten to meet wonderful people who have become wonderful friends. If it were not for this job I’d never have had the opportunity to share it with my mother. My mom is 81, she goes out in the truck with me for her birthday every year. Last year I took her out to CA to see her Granddaughter and Great Granddaughter. The year before I got to take her to Amish country in Lancaster PA. That has been the trip she brags about the most. So I’m requesting another run out that way again this year and hopefully we can take a few extra days to stay at an Amish B&B. I’ve shared my love of Wanda’s books with mom and now she’s hooked. So it’s not just people that can change lives, it’s also jobs and I’m truly blessed to be a lady truck driver and to share this with my grandson and mom. I agree with Roxanna Conner, “I have learned that God uses all circumstances for His good and HE IS GOOD all the time”. Happy New Years to everyone.
I think its a lesson in patience . Everyone lives such hurried lives that it affects the way we drive, the way we work , and even in our relationships.
Keeping one’s heart and mind open to all around you can bring blessings
not only to you but also to someone in need!
Oh my, does your blog post hit home. I have found myself impatient for something or someone to get done so I can move on to the next thing without realizing that God did indeed have a lesson for me to learn. It is so easy to be in a hurry that when we ask how someone is, we don’t really listen just hope they say fine so we can get to the next thing. Thanks, Wanda, for reminding me to slow down and enjoy life. Linda
God puts us in all kinds of situations to teach us to depend on Him and lean not unto our own understanding. In Aug. 2012 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a lumpecdomy in Sept.
I also had to go through chemo and radiation, which was very hard on my family and I, but I give
God all the glory and thank the Lord with all my heart for getting me through it. It has taught me to be more patient and not to take life for granted.
Oh, dear me, I’m the one that’s always late and leaving others waiting. I know, I know…Shame on ME! :o)
One never knows when a delay will turn into a blessing. I believe that sometimes a delay prevents something bad from happening or gives us an unexpected opportunity.
My dear hubby and I were driving to Indianapolis one day from our town of Shelbyville. We decided to take the back road. On the main highway there was a major wreck. I think it was God speaking to us to take the long way around and enjoy his scenery. In Christ!
Sometimes events happen that just “blow my mind”. Yet, looking back, I see God’s hand in it all. At times it is a very difficult situation, but always a place of growth in the Lord. Why I resist His leadings I will never understand – maybe I will always have to deal with impatience, but hopefully it will continue to improve as the Lord works in my life. He has never failed me yet and I am confident He never will!
This certainly hits home for me. I drive a lot and I’m constantly waiting for one person or another to be ready and leave. Then when we finally leave I pass by an accident and say to myself that I would have been involved if I had left ‘on time’ when I wanted to leave and I thank my blessings that I was delayed.
I know the Lords ways are higher then our own, I was at the airport catching a fight to go home. I heard they had booked to many so I would be catching a later flight. I was concern cause my mom was to pick me up and I was going to be one hour late! What in the world was I suppose to do for another hour, but God had a plan. As I was just goofing off at the airport, I saw a lady with a child sitting and crying. I sat down close to her and asked if I could help her. She shared her life with me and I asked if I could pray for her and her situation. God put me there to share and to lift her up. Delays are only delays to us but they are a opportunity to God for us to ministry to this hurting world. Praise God for His timing!
Happy New Year
I was 10mins late for a doctor appt one day due to traffic. Come to find out the accident could have been me. If that’s not scarey enough. On the way home I stop and get a few groceries, I don’t know when I’ll get back to town 18 miles away, an our Mum & Pop store don’t carry what I needed. Thank God I turned off the main drag when I did and noone was behind me, someone coming the other way lost control and flipped their vehicle. I called 911 and ran over to the guy, he was drunk and started curssing I was scared and talking to the 911 operator, I stopped talking and started PRAYING. God answered my PRAYERS, a police officer was in the neighborhood. I love my slowed down like, I’m raising my granddaughter Wanda M. B. in the county, I’m teaching her to cook and she’s loving it
In February 2013 , my husband was told he had stage 3 colon cancer. He had surgery and six months of chemo. Now, I have a very dear friend whose husband was told he had stage 4 colon cancer that has spread to is lungs. I feel that the Lord has allowed me to help her through this journey of battling for his life. Please pray for them and us. Pray that I will be able to encourage her and in turn she will be able to help her husband. I feel like God has a plan for each of us and we need to take time to see what it is and how we can use that to help others.
Recently I was driving across town and ended up behind a driver who was going much slower. No matter how much I tried to get around him and get to my destination I couldn’t. Finally he turned off and I was able to proceed. At the next major intersection there were several damaged vehicles. A jewelry store down the road near the mall had been robbed and in their hurry to get away the culprits went thru the intersection during a chase with police and hit several cars. I shudder to think the outcome had I managed to get around the slower driver that day. Thankful i didn’t.
Love your newsletter!
Yes, I believe that God puts us behind slow drivers, or has someone talk to us in the store to slow us down because He has the best plans for us. He could stop us from being in an accident, or, like your post, He could bring someone to us that really could use a helping and loving ear to listen. We just need to remember to have patience so that He can do His works and carry out His plans.
Thank you so much for sharing your post.
Eighteen years ago. I had two brain Hemorrhages and then brain surgery. I was told that I would not live, as they had only gone to the center of the brain during autopsies to practice. I had the Elders of our church lay hands on me, and chose to have the surgery. I told the Dr. that GOD was my physician and would know when the time was to be, that I would go to be with him in Heaven. It is eighteen years later and I am still here. I am sure that God has a plan for me, and I am trying to do what ever it is that he has me here for. I pray that he will use me as a tool, to say and do the things that he has for me each day. I need to remember that and be more patient. Have a Blessed day!
Our pastor is always telling us to listen for his voice, and if we are willing, God will put people in our path so that we might be his hands here on earth. Nine times out of ten if I listen, not only are we able to bless others, but are blessed in return. I wonder how many times something similar has happened as with you and your husband that has truly saved someone’s life, just knowing that there are people in this world willing to listen and able to lend a hand.
I am always in awe has to how God spares us, a few years back we were spare an accident while on going on vacation, we had stop at a rest area only too get back on the road and stopped in traffic. As we passed the area we just looked at each other and figured it could have been us. Always Thankful to God for watching over us, even when we don’t know we need it.
I know God has us here for a reason. I have come into some situations like that. Iam usually the talker not my husband. God bless you.
We have had that happen so often! I always let our grandkids know, God spared you from being involved in that wreck! They need to know it was God who stopped them in time. Just New Year’s Eve our dau. went to a church and tried to stop at a bad intersection, but slid thru it. She knew that God had made the other cars wait on her before they turned and hit her! God is so good!
Everything happens for a reason. That is so exciting how God used you at just the right time to be there for another person.
So many times God reminds me to slow down and take things in His own timing. This recently happened to us. We were headed out to visit a relative. We got out to the car and remembered something we wanted in the house. We finally got back in the car only to remember something else…so back in the house several more times we went…on a final walk out of the house we realized we forgot to turn off the iron. I think God kept making us go back into that house until we finally shut off the hot iron. Since our cats like to sleep on the ironing board they could have knocked over the iron and caused a fire or something! Thanks be to God for HIS timing!
First Wanda thank you so much for the childrens books that were included in Richards order. My granddaughter just was looking forward to reading one and the other i sent to my grandson. Yes, God puts us in situations like that to see if we have patience for the other person and understanding that he also had things he thought were important I think, Tim is relaxed and laid back when it comes to him and with me he is very strict so I have asked the lord for him to be be more patient and understanding and that I have things that are just as important and he needs sometimes to look past what his needs are as they come first and that I have asked why i don’t understand as i always put him first and also am very understanding and a listener where he doesnt listen either we are quite different in ways I am constantly praying .
Hello Wanda, always a Thank You for sharing your Journal with us!!!! As a society we tend to think of Ourselves more than we think of Others! From time to time we need to do a self check on Ourselves and just take the time to check on Others and their needs! There have been times like you mentioned that I was in a hurry when someone stopped me to talk and I felt really bad for not spending more time listening to what they had to say. Even the slightest thing could mean the World to someone else. One of my New Years Resolutions is to be a better listener and check on Family & Friends more often!!!! There have been many times that I wish I had someone to talk to about different things in my life and I didn’t have anyone! I really don’t life feeling that way and I don’t want anyone else to either. The one and only thing I can rely on however, is my FAITH & TRUST in GOD!!!!!
I pray for patience as well not one of my strong suites
I do believe that God has some awesome timing.
This is something that I think about often. Every time we come upon an accident while driving, I wonder if my need to stop for a restroom or my husband’s too careful turns at intersections delayed us just enough to keep us from being part of the accident. I pray for those involved in the accident every time.
Dear Wanda,
You know GOD has a plan for all of us and whether you understand or not. We have been in positions like that before and when you walk off you think huh, wonder why… But it’s doesn’t take long to figure it out. It’s amazing what GOD does….
It is so true, we are always in a hurry… so much to do… so many places we have to be. But I truly believe that if we would allow the Lord to direct our steps, we would have many more encounters that could bless someone else… and in turn receive a blessing ourselves.
I was in our local Walmart around Easter time, and I noticed this little lady looking at the easter candy,she had a few things in her buggy maybe 5 food items. she looked like a homeless person, but I knew she lived accross the street in the goverment apartments because I had seen her walking over there several times. She never did pick any candy up and I handed her $20.00 and told her to get herself some easter candy, at first she did not want to take the money. But she finally did take it ,she did not say anything to me. So I went ahead and was shopping and I met her again and she was throwing potatoe chips in her buggy just bag after bag, she must have been craving potatoe chips. But I just thought if everyone that met her in Walmart one hand her $1.00 how much that would help this little old lady, instead of always in a hurry and turning thier heads like they don’t even see her. I don’t even know if she could speak, but when she was at the pharmacy window to get her medicine the lady called her name Mary…I just wish people would show more kindness to those in need. I’m not a well off person, but I just wanted to help her .
I too believe that God puts us right where He needs us to be! Sometimes we may wonder why, but He always has the answer.
Hi Wanda,
I think sometimes God puts us in situations to see how we handle them. I sometimes find myself waiting on a friend and end up having someone sit next to me and just start telling me about their problems. I just listen to them, and offer some suggestions and then when I get home, I say an extra prayer for that person. I love reading your books and am always looking for the newest ones. Have a blessed 2014!
Hope you have a fantastic 2014. Blessings to you and yours.
I have always been one to try to get as much done before I leave home to run errands. One Sunday morning, my Pastor had a sermon on God’s timing. He was on his way to a meeting–late–in rush hour traffic in Denver. He had a flat tire and had to stop to fix the tire. He was upset, knowing he would be even later for his meeting, He fixed the tire and was on his way only to come upon a terrible accident. 2 people dies in the accident–so he was there to help and he realized, if he hadn’t had the flat, he may been part of the accident. He felt God spared him and also made him available for others. This sermon was 35 years ago and I have since tried to remember when things aren’t the way I want them to be–God has a reason.
Wanda, I believe as Christians we should always have that prayer “God place me in the right situation at the right time to minister to other”. I know lives our busy, but we miss some of the greatest blessings by rushing through than taking the time to minister to others. I’ve experienced being there at the right time to assist an elderly person or someone who is struggling with a trauma and they need someone to talk to and pray for them. I want to always be a vessel of use for God. I thank God He directs our path when we are willing to be listen, slow down, and be obedient to His leading so we will be where He wants us to be at the right time. Thank you so much for your journal entries that should cause each one to strive to be more Christ like all the time.
Blessings and I would enjoy an Amish potholder.
Marilyn
God’s timing is perfect. My prayer is for a patient, tender heart, so as not to miss God-given opportunities. God bless you and your husband as you minister to so many people.
God’s timing is not always our timing, but it is always right on time!
I agree, take time to breath and hear God’s words, that is the most important thing. A very good lesson indeed !
There have been a number of times where & when I was held up only to realize that this had been for the best.
Happy New Year Wanda, to you and yours! God does put us where he wants us so that we can help someone, or meet new people or avoid accidents and other mishaps
I enjoyed your comment about patience. I too, am a Pastor’s wife. Running here and there with many things on my plate. It can get very frustrating when you are stopped at times to talk and you know you have many more things to do. However, I learned many years ago, that is just part of life. There are people you meet each and every day who just need a kind “good morning”, or a smile to help their day run more smoothly. I believe God placed us here to help others. It doesn’t always have to be something big. Everyone can smile (someday’s it is slower in coming, ha!), you don’t have to be fancy or rich to smile. If I can help just one person by smiling, holding a door, saying hello and it helps someone, I am blessed. I truly am blessed each day. God bless you.
Dear Wanda,
I relocated from Rhode Island to Tennesee because I wanted a slower, less stressfull lifestyle. I have been in Tennessee for 15 years. I have made new friends and learned to take life as it comes. Your books have inspired me to fulfill this slower paced life. God has a reason for where and what are lives are meant to be. I have learned more patience and value what I have even more now. I learned how neighbors and friends do help each other in good and hard times. Thank you for your books and teachings.
It was a long time ago My husband and I had gone down to Lancaster Co for our 10th wedding anniversary. We went to dinner at a restaurant off the main road and when we left we made a wrong turn.. After going past the same meeting house 4x’s we finally found the correct road to get back to our motel we were staying at..When we got back I put on the TV and there was a major accident on the interstate at the time we would of been on at that section i if we didn’t get lost and found a different way back.. My husband said there was a reason why we got lost…I love reading your books to relax me and make me think also..When I am done with them I pass them on to other people..
God’s timing is always right. It may take “us” time to realize this. I enjoy your books and hope you have a very Blessed New Year.
I’m so glad that you were able to comfort the woman. Patience is something I have to work on everyday.
I truly believe God puts us in the right place at the right times!! My daughter had a horrible wreck her Freshman year in college and I was actually shopping in our home town at the time int he grocery store. I of course had no clue she was in an accident as she was on her way back to college. As they waited for the ambulance to arrive to take her to the ER a woman and her husband stopped at the scene and she held my daughter and put her head in her lap and covered her with her own sweater to keep her warm. That woman was truly my daughter’s guardian angel. I still have the sweater hanging in my closet and everyday when I get ready for work I am reminded “That woman was in the right place at the right time”………
Glad that you were able to comfort the woman. It seems that God knows where we need to be when we need to be there. He protects when we need more protection than we think. I know every now and then, I say a little prayer for patience not only for myself, but also for my husband. And I know that God is always watching out for all of us.
My husband is always holding us up yet he never gives up an opportunity to talk about God to other people, He is always a witness for him and even though it holds me up sometimes I don’t like it but I need more patience to deal with it sometimes, because I have a lot of responsibilities at home
I recently had a double lung transplant due to high blood pressure in the lungs, caused from Pulmonary htn, I thank God for allowing this to happen and I also thank my donor, may God bless that family
I love your books and they have been a godsend for me since having the surgery and not being able to do all the things I wanted to do, I am now improving, but still love to read.
thank you for all the wonderful books you write
Barbara howard
I am originally from Massachusetts. Our lifestyles there were always in a hurry and very busy days. We relocated to Florida when we retired and at first found the lifestyle very hard. As it is a slower pace and we are no longer working. But sometimes you can be at the right place and at the right time to help a friend or whatever is going on in your life or day.
I enjoy reading your books and the slower lifestyle. This helps me to relax as I love to read.
Have a great day! 🙂
GOD IS AMAZING – and does put us in THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME..
Several of the ladies at Church met last Saturday morning to lay our Prayer Shawls & Fleece Blankets on the Altar for Dedication Sunday the next morning.
One of our ladies FORGOT – we called her and she had to get READY… so we waited for her
and waited…. Finally at noon… we could not reach her by telephone and we had errands to take care of … so we left… Later that evening below is the REASON she didn’t show up… GOD NEEDED HER TO HELP …….
****************************************************************************************
Edie NEVER made it to church this morning…..
GOD HAD A REASON…and used her as a an ANGEL… we just never know…
Bill was in their front yard raking leaves…
Edie was getting in the car to come to Church…
just like she told Angela that she was – on her way…
An 18 month old neighbor child came running up to Bill barefooted – crying Mommy is dead….
Edie grabbed one of her PRAYER SHAWLS and wrapped the child up – it was COLD here in Atlanta – and they all three went running over to the house..
They were greeted by 2 LARGE FULL GROWN BOXER DOGS barking at them..
They called 911 from Bills phone – police and fire responded.
Mommy had a seizure and there was also an 8 month old child crying in the house but was okay. The mother is going to be ok she was still conscious – and was taken to the hospital.
Edie and Bill still have both boys at their house until the father get home from the hospital tonight.
She said the family hardly ever speaks to them – but the child ran to their home…
Thank God Bill was outside – that Edie was STILL AT HOME and able to be of help.
She said she will be there early in morning before the 8:30 am service to put the shawls out…
GOD KNEW WHERE SHE WAS NEEDED TODAY AND IT WASN’T WITH US.
We have donated the Prayer Shawl to the Mother and also a Knotted Fleece Blanket to the little boy.. with an invitation to join us at Church…. PRAISE BE TO GOD
The same has happened to me many times either with my husband or my Mother. The hubby wasn’t always a big talker he’s a little better now tho. We can be in a number of different places but he will and people we don’t know seem to want to talk with him and shares it’s just unreal how this happens. I might be in a rush but you can learn a lot when given the chance of showing kindness to others. My Mother never misses the chance to speak to others whether she knows them or not and sometimes it’s unbelievable what they might share with her and as always I’m the one ready to hurry along but again it’s enjoyable to hear their stories at times.
Thank you, Wanda Brunstetter, for writing good books! They are pleasant to read…Wish I could have made your weekend with your readers…maybe another time.