Luck of the Straw

SO, do you ever think that someone is watching out for you? Yeah yeah...I know someone really is, but I mean the days when you can really feel it! Well, here's just some of the small things that have shown me that this week.

Meredith (roommie) and I were having an OCD attack on the house Thursday. We knew we weren't up to cooking so we headed out for some cuisine. I don't know how she does it, but she lands into free stuff all the time. We headed off to Bahama Breeze and she had a $10 gift certificate to use - for no reason. That in itself was a nice treat. Then we knew we needed some dessert. We opted out of ice cream and such and just stopped by the local Winn-Dixie. M&M's, Twix, Oreos, Nutella, we couldn't make up our mind. We opted for the quick pick of a simple candy bar in the check out line. She grabbed Skittles and I searched for Take5 (if you haven't tried one - you need to!). (Caramel, peanute butter, pretzels, peanuts, and chocolate - perfect combination of sweety and salty.) Well, we then realized that they were on sale - buy 2 get 1 free! We grabbed extra chocolate. We checked out and they didn't pick up the sale. Meredith spoke up and the lady tried to fix it. SHe hit the wrong button and only charged us $.44 for three candy bars! We tried to pay her more, but she refused. :) Chocolate and cheap. Can't beat that.
So, Saturday is my usual Panera visit to plan and chit chat with all the Brits. I feel obligated to buy a drink or something since I'm using their internet. I like coke, so don't complain about free refills either. Well, I waited behind a couple ladies for a few minutes and another girl stepped uo and said "I could help you over here." (Her name is the same as mine.) I just ordered a regular drink and waited to pay. She tried to push total or something and I could just hear the rejection beap. She was getting a little flustered and then just said "Go ahead." Look of confusion ran across my face. Again she replied, "Don't worry. You're ok. You can go." After a few moments of hesitation, I walked away with a cup in hand and filled it up with a fizzy pepsi. Satisfaction and the American ideal of the customer is always right.

Yea yea yea...I know this is boring. I will leave you with a small exhortation that has already been posted on a comment section of another blog. Enjoy.

::ahem:: As I completely agree with our dear friend Ed (who I'm disappointed has failed to make an appearance in your blog), I would like to add a strong suggestion for those in full-time ministry as well and would be curious to see what others in similar situations have to say as well. After CCC, for 2 years, I love the mission, values, and determination it holds. However, I am also becoming more convinced of the wisdom to step away and see the secular world in its reality for at least a year before continuing in ministry full-time as a career. I'd like to take the time to ask B and the other viewers how much of their life, friends, and relationships are surrounded with other Christians? As I noticed, at least 90% of my life was circulating with brothers and sisters and it was a rarity to be encompassing the lost in my every day adventures. If this is something you have not struggled with, I would like to know your secret. On the other hand, those in the secular world find themselves surrounded 90% of the time with non-believers and have to search out God alone to get them through each day. A wonderful adventure. Brit, my vote is to return to the US and to undergo the transition. To seek out a longer term vision of returning to the UK or some other far off land later. If, in fact, you are debating about returning to southwest Ohio, I would encourage you to look else where for a home away from home and to find a place with deep fellowship and accountability while wading in the waters of the secular world. Thinking logically, I would broaden my scope and look for positions that fit into where you feel God leading you. Look throughout the States, wherever you know even one or two sisters or a solid church where you could live and taste the work of serving those who you love, underpriveleged children or the like. I think this is the longest post! ps I hear Florida has some great opportunities for nonprofit organizations, lots of internationals, and a sun that you've been missiong out on for 2 years. :) Cheers!