So close I missed it!

I’ve never written a blog before so it’s a bit intimidating, but I do love to communicate. I figured it is just another way to do that…So here goes!

Sometimes what we want to find is right SMACK in front of us, right?  Well, at least that’s the way it is for me.  Last night I headed out into the blustery winter weather conditions to meet some ladies at Elmbrook Church for Bible study.  The roads were a bit slippery but I arrived safely. I stomped my feet outside the door to remove the freshly fallen snow, brushed the collected snow off my shoulders, flipped my parka hood back from my head, shook my head so my hair wouldn’t be too matted down and went inside.

I decided to stop at The Mission Cafe, Elmbrook’s coffee shop, because I was cold. I thought a warm drink would do the trick, plus I’d been given a little free drink voucher that I’d been carrying around in my wallet since before Christmas. Why hadn’t I used it before?  What was I waiting for?  You may be wondering.  Well, there was just one hurdle in my way. I like almond milk in my coffee. I do like coffee but NOT black and only dairy free.  Personal choice and I’m allergic to soy.  I’ve stopped in the cafe before, read the menu board a few times, but it reads ‘milk substitute soy.’  RATS!  Sure I could just select another drink like hot tea or a fruit smoothie but the Thank you-Christmas card I’d received said “Thanks a Latte”  even though the printed the voucher just read, redeem for a free drink of your choice at The Mission Cafe.  My mind wanted and was primed for a WARM LATTE.

I walked into the cafe delighted that there was only one gentleman in line ahead of me.  I glanced up at the menu board…Soy. I saw Kelly who manages the Cafe behind the counter talking to the barista making the man’s drink.  I know Kelly, she is great, so instead of ordering, I sashayed my way down in front of  the high counter, both hands raised shoulder height and I leaned in and asked, “Hey Kelly, do you guys have almond milk?  I don’t see it on the board.” She said, “Yes, we just started carrying it today!  Did you see the sign?” I walked back to the registers and I saw a sign written in bold neon cursive writing,  “INTRODUCING Almond Milk.” Oh, my word!  I laughed at myself and embarrassed, I turned to Kelly and said, “Do you mean the large sign stating ‘NOW carrying almond milk?’ I’m so excited you have it now!”  I ordered a medium, decaf, vanilla latte with almond milk.  I chatted with Kelly a few minutes longer as my drink was prepared, thanked the server and headed to group.

As I climbed the steps to my group’s meeting room. I reflected on how often I miss what is right in front of me.  God has displayed a sign, readable, huge, even neon sign of his individualized goodness to me, but I’ve missed it looking to figure it out myself or get my answer from another source or person.  It’s like He says, “Here I am!  Right here so close you’ve missed it.”

Psalm 139:1-3

“Oh Lord, you have searched me and you know me.  You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.  You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.”

He is completely aware of me, I desire to be as acutely aware of Him…and not miss it.

Rachel

rachelinouye.org, @4thgirlrach, rachelinouye (instagram)