Another Shutout--Not

Today, I once again went to the mall at lunch, to treasure hunt. The mall was quiet--not deserted but definitely less busy than I've previously seen. I spent over two hours in the mall without seeing anyone resembling the "appearance" clues I'd gotten:

• red sweater
• overalls
• large shoes/hiking boots

I eventually decided that there was time for a walk around the mall before leaving. So, I set out and walked the lower level without spotting any treasure. On my trip around the upper level, about mid-way through my circuit, a young woman walked past me at a rapid pace. As she did so, a bit of her cell-phone conversation was audible. She was saying, "I'm going to pray to God. . . . "

I'm not elderly but neither am I athletic. So, turning and catching up with her was out of the question. And, shouting seemed unlikely to attract her attention without upsetting her and everyone else in the same quadrant of the mall. So, I just prayed silently that, if she prayed according to God's will, He would hear her and grant her petition.

Was today a shutout? Not really. For that matter, neither was Saturday's trip, despite the fact that my words fell not merely to, but through, the floor.

I'm reminded that any time we walk in obedience to the best of our ability, the Lord is pleased that we've made ourselves available. How He chooses to use us is His concern, not ours. My flesh would prefer that every clue pan out and every treasure be quickly found. But, my spirit is gratified that God chose to use me, even though I'm unaware of the true meaning and full significance of what I did.

So, today I found treasure that I was not expecting to find. It was a good day. I look forward to Wednesday.