"The human heart plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps." - Proverbs 16:9 

The lid on the new washer was taller than the one on the old washer, so it hit the cabinet doors above the washer when open. There seemed to be two options: (1) raise the cabinet, or (2) put some kind of a "stopper" on the cabinet. While option #1 was probably the cleaner solution, it seemed way too difficult, so option #2 became the better choice. 

Now the question was: what kind of a "stopper" to put on the cabinet? Brainstorming resulted in a few creative options like felt pads, some kind of  a rubber product, or something hung on the doorknob such as a cotton ornament or a velvet pouch. 

Online searches turned up some possibilities but a clear solution did not present itself. Who would have guessed that a routine trip to a crowded grocery store would provide the answer? 

God works in mysterious ways if you are open to them! After picking up groceries and working our way to the check-out, one aisle seemed crowded so we took another aisle to slither our way down. It just so happened that this aisle had cat toys in it. There it was: "Lamb Chop." It's perfect! Placing it between the two doors provides the perfect padding for the washer lid to rest on. It's easily removable when you need to open the cabinets, and it's attractive (and cute) when left in place. 

If God hadn't steered us down this aisle, we never would have found Lamb Chop. Leading us to the right place at the right time was all in His perfect design! 

Lamb of God, thank you for directing our steps to Your way. Help us to see Your hand in everything and make the most of every opportunity. Amen. 

TAGS: Prayer, Story

Come Creator Spirit, 
Renew me with your strength. 
Purify me with your love. 
Strengthen me with your hope. 
Empower me with your justice. 
Cover me with your protection. 
Surround me with your compassion. 
Illumine me with your mercy. 
Console me with your fire. 
Motivate me with your power. 
Humble me with your passion. 
Satisfy me with your presence. 
Complete me with your grace. 
Hear and answer me in my need. 
Amen. 

© Rev. Michael Pavlakovich 

Click HERE to pray the Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts. Starts on Friday, May 19. 

TAGS: Prayer

"For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to what is seen but to what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal." - 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 

Have you ever felt so down like you're in a chasm or deep hole that you just can't crawl out of? Are you feeling like the walls surrounding you are caving in on you, brick by brick, one by one? Do you wonder how you're ever going to get out of this "funk"? Do you need to put caution cones around you so that others will avoid you and not be the brunt of your depression and anger? 

Become childlike. Look up. Look beyond. See the God waiting for you with outstretched arms. Imagine your arms outstretched, reaching out to your mother or father waiting to hold you in their arms, close to their heart. 

Instead of looking at the bricks falling in, look at the bricks as building blocks to be constructed into a wonderfully-made work of art, created as you are by the God who loves you. 

Just remember: this too will pass. The pit you are in will be restored again, and patched over so that all signs of your present troubles will be removed. 

O Master Carpenter, patch over the holes in my life. Be my bricklayer to rebuild me anew in Your love. Amen. 

TAGS: Inspiration, Prayer