God of Details

We have four growing children whose needs are constantly evolving and at times, simultaneously calling for attention. It can be overwhelming. Times like this, it is a relief to know that God, who loves our children so much more, is never overwhelmed! He is never threatened by the billions of petitions made to Him. And amidst all those pleas and prayers, He is seated on the throne, in full charge, not pacing up and down His courtroom, anxious over this and that!

There was a time, I used to think, with billions of prayers being lifted up to God, He probably prioritized and attended to the bigger problems that affect the multitudes! Why bother Him with petty stuff? But my thinking changed. Oh, He is most definitely aware of major global concerns and is actively at work to make things right but our Father in Heaven, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, is the very same God of you and me.

He is a personal God, who according to the psalmist “knows when we sit and when we rise; perceives our thoughts from afar…and is familiar with all our ways.” He is directly involved in our circumstances, intimately acquainted not only with our hopes and dreams, but even with our tiny sighs.

I still remember when our little girl was asked to be a flower girl in a wedding in New York. She needed an eggplant colored dress. Had it been white or pink or ecru, it would not have been as challenging to find. So we prayed. We were still here in Manila when I shared this need to a lady friend, she smiled at me and said, “You know, I think I have one, but it is all the way in Chicago and you might have to adjust it to fit your daughter.” To make the long story short, she has the vacuum-packed dress sent to our New York address. And it fit our little angel perfectly! Is that orchestrated or what? And to think we did not even have to go through the trouble of bringing the bulky dress in our luggage.

How can I forget the time I was on my way home from the grocery and I realized I was missing my purse?! I felt the panic inside as I itemized in my mind what I had lost. More than the money, I thought of all the identification cards that went with it and the inconvenience losing them would bring. I began to tell God about it, casting my cares. Soon panic was replaced by peace.  I remembered to give thanks for allowing me to immediately discover the loss and I pleaded for His mercy. I retraced my steps, remembered where I purchased last and decided to go back. I was bracing myself. The chance of recovering a purse left in a food cart is nil. When I inquired at the cart, the server smiled, opened a drawer and brought out my purse---intact.  Not all my losses end in recovery but that day, I encountered a God who is never too busy to bother about missing purses.

Special Delivery

A one-of-a-kind moment convinced me that our God, who holds the universe, is interested in the details of our life. My little four year-old was beginning to enjoy his crayons. His favorite was the color red so naturally he used it the most and soon, I would hear him say, “There’s no more red, Mom!” It seemed unwise to keep on buying a pack, just so he could have a red crayon to use. I shared with family how crayon makers should put at least two pieces of red crayon in a set because it is such a popular color among kids. After some time, we received a package in the mail. Can you guess what it was? A box of red crayons. All red!!

The lady that sent it to us held a demanding position in an advertising agency, a supportive wife and a hands-on mother of two. Quite hectic and busy, and yet she took the time to put the box together and bring delight to our four year old. If she was moved to do something like that, what more can the One who inspired her do when He hears us? Thanks be to God who is never too big for our small concerns.