The answer.

Yesterday, I went to visit with some folks at a retirement home. I wandered around for a bit, looking for someone to talk to. I found a lone man in the dining room and pulled a chair up next to him. He seemed surprised to see me, but smiled. Most of his bottom teeth were missing. After a few minutes of small talk and me leaning in closer to try to make out his sentences, I realized he'd probably rather me do most of the talking because his words took a lot of effort. He chuckled at a few jokes I tried to make and whispered he liked me. I started into my long story (complaint) of how my car broke down and needed repairs, but my husband and I really didn't want to put the money into fixing it. I told him about our nightmares trying to get a loan and how lots of things just weren't going our way. I explained how cranky my husband's been for the past two weeks and how he's been struggling to learn patience during this trial. He listened, nodding at all the right times to acknowledge our struggle. He validated my hardship by "mm-hmming" and "uh-huhing" exactly when I wanted him to. We continued talking until it was time for me to go and as I stood up to leave, he reached for my hand, looked me in the eyes, and spoke. "Prayer is always the answer," he said, as he smiled and released the brakes on his wheelchair. He rolled away, leaving me to ponder his wisdom.

Isn't it funny how sometimes we forget the things we think we know best? I know the Lord hears my prayers and will answer according to His will. I know he gives us trials to help us learn and grow. I trust in his plan for my life. Yet, sometimes during my struggles, I allow Satan to get in my head and make me doubt whether or not Heavenly Father really listens to me, loves me, and is taking care of me.

Then, I meet strangers at just the right time, who help me remember what I already know: Prayer is always the answer.

Ps. Our car trials ended yesterday evening. We bought a champagne colored 2004 Nissan Maxima :)