The lesson of the shoe

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:6, 7 (NIV)

The happily swinging stockinged foot of my small daughter caught my attention just as we finished our shopping.I thought to myself: " Oh no, her shoe has fallen off again." The little shoes were adorable, but one was slightly loose and refused to stay on her tiny foot. So far I had noticed each time it came off. This might be the day it was gone for good and our tight budget made me worry about replacing it. I thought back to a discussion I'd had the day before with some friends about whether or not God really is concerned with the 'little things' of life. My heart said"yes" but my friends had said "no" and it had made me wonder. "OK, God," I murmured under my breath, "this is literally a 'little thing.' Please help me find this lost shoe."

After retracing our route around the large department store with no luck, I walked up to the check-out lanes on the off-chance that someone there could help me. Only one of the many registers had no line and a (hopefully) helpful clerk. I explained my situation to her and the girl's eyes lit up. "Why yes, I saw it. I set it up on a display case." She directed me to the correct aisle where I promptly located the wayward shoe.

I have often thought of this day which happened many years ago. I have absolutely no doubt that God was orchestrating events to show me just how much He cares about the little things in our lives. It was no coincidence that that particular clerk was the one who had seen the little shoe nor that her lane was the only one empty at the time I needed someone to ask. God cares about the details and He showed me that day just how much He cares. Yes, He is concerned with the major events of our lives-the breakdown of a marriage, the death of a loved one, the loss of a job-but he is also intimately involved in the 'small events' as well. So when I am at a loss over how to get my daily schedule under control or what to say to a friend or even where to find a missing library book, I take it to the Lord, tell Him my troubles, and ask for His divine assistance. He does not always solve all my problems for me, but He always, always listens, and lovingly guides me through each day.

Lord, help to know that You are concerned about even the simplest things that concern me. Thank you for listening and for giving me direction. Amen

Janine Miller