Knitting a Conundrum

Back in the early 90s, I was the victim of an arsonist. I came home from teaching night classes and found crime scene tape across my appartment and a security guard who was waiting to tell me about what had happened.

There is something about finding yourself with nothing but the clothes on your back that teaches you the things that are really important.

I was involved with a Life in the Spirit Seminar that year, and I was going through RCIA at the same time. The arson took place while I was in a meeting with my Life in the Spirit Seminar. This was the day before they did the laying on of hands that they do in Charismatic meetings. I was told that the devil might try to put a block up, but little did I know what it would turn out to be. One of the first things I did the day after was go by a new rosary, which I still have. That was a strange, blessed day, when those at my work surrounded me with love, and raised an amazing $300 the day before payday so I could get some clothes on my back. Shellshocked but determined, l went through with the prayer meeting, and it was a special moment.

Continued going to RCIA. The next few months were rough, but I did have renter's insurance, and it taught me a lot about how God gives us grace even then things seem dark, dark.

One thing that did happen afterwards though, which is interesting. Things in my apartment were awful. My computer monitor and my tv melted. I had a picture of the Divine Mercy hanging on my wall, with a glass candle lamp on a table in front of it that were missing when I looked.

The insurance company salvaged what they could. Lots of books and dishes and whatnot. But when they brought the goods to my house, the first thing out of the first container that I opened was my Divine Mercy picture, looking as good as the day I bought it. It had a little wax stain on the back but otherwise, it was perfect. The lamp came through as well.

Don't know if I'd call it a miracle, cause it probably isn't, but it was surely a sign from our Lord, a little hello to let me know that he was watching out for me.

God is good about teaching us what is important. The problem is, we have to pay attention. And don't get bitter. And to honestly say, Jesus, I trust in you. Or at least, I believe - help thou my unbelief!

And ultimately, the only prayer that is always right is Not my will, but thine.