The other day I decided it
was time to open up our bedroom windows to let fresh air flow throughout the
room. When I began my task, I lifted the
outer storm window to let down the inside screen. As I moved the screen down, I noticed that
the storm window’s outside aluminum frame was loose. After further investigation, I discovered two
screws were missing and one was half-way out.
Consequently, I found a couple of screws I thought would fit, grabbed my
trustworthy screw driver, and headed outside.
When I surveyed the situation, I decided to screw in
the loose one first and then check on whether or not the other two screws would
fit. Yes, they did! But in my excitement and clumsiness, I
dropped one of them. Now, the grass
beneath our window was several inches high as mowing hadn’t begun yet. “Oh great!” I thought. “I’ll never find it.”
But then as though the Spirit took over my plight, I asked Jesus for His help. I knelt down to look through the blades of
grass only to find a dead bug or two. Yuck!! However, I continued my search, and there,
lying between particles of dirt and grass, I saw the screw. “Thank you, Jesus!” I carefully
took hold of both screws and completed tightening the frame. One window down…one to go!
I returned to our bedroom and began the process all
over again on our second window.
However, this time it wasn’t a loose outside frame I was dealing with;
it was a stubborn inside screen. The latch that I needed to press and lift was
stuck as well as partially broken which made it difficult to move. I tried several times…grunting and groaning
as if the noise would help. I was ready
to give up and let my husband deal with it later. But then, once again I asked Jesus for help
and it seemed as though He said, “Try one more time.” So I did. I pressed against the latches and
the screen lifted so easily I was awestruck. Wow!! Both window screens were now in
place and the welcomed spring air entered our stuffy bedroom.
As I reflected on this incident, I was reminded that
it’s the common, every day events in life where Jesus greets us and welcomes
our requests. We can call upon Him for anything at any time no matter the
situation. Often we fail to seek help
from Him until we're struggling with serious life circumstances, whether it be
financial, relational, health related, or spiritual. But Jesus wants us to come
to Him even with what we might consider silly, simple, but frustrating every day
issues. I was momentarily baffled by the loss of the screw and the stuck
screen, but Jesus through the Spirit helped me even though I had failed to ask
Him first. What a forgiving, loving, and caring Savior we serve!
"Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; And attend to the voice of my supplications.
In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, For You will answer me."
Psalm 86:6-7
