March 7 – “Turtle’s”

Chris had a tense moment this evening when she arrived at her Mom's house.  No one was at home, and it was almost dark.  They don't drive after dark, because they can't see all that well.  Chris let herself in and checked for a note or something, but didn't find one.  Finally she realized that the quilt her Mom was making for her brother was missing.  He lives in Victoria, so she figured they went there for the day.  Good call.  They arrived soon after the deduction was made.   Church this morning was exciting again.  Even with the discernment meeting afterward, there was a great spirit all the way around.  A young couple joined.  A new guy who recently retired to Jamaica Beach came for a first visit.  A sense of hope and excitement seems to be returning.    We went to Tortuga's for lunch.  That means Turtle in Spanish, but we didn't order turtle soup or anything.  I had quesadillas.  We joined up with four or five of the students from church and the two youth workers.     I have been saying a lot lately at church about being nice to wait staff and clerks in stores.  I've been working on it myself, and the results have been amazing.  It's interesting how attitudes tend to change dramatically with a little kindness.  Seems almost biblical.  So I tried to joke around some with our server.  No dice.  She did her job well, and she wasn't rude, but she seemed preoccupied and distant.  When she walked away after taking our drink orders, the others said she was a mean one.  When she came back by, I leaned back to ask her how we could pray for her when we prayed in a few minutes.  But before I could say anything, she apologized for being so surly.  She said her grandmother had suddenly taken sick, and she had been up all night helping care for her.  I asked her if we could pray for her and her grandmother, and she was very appreciative.  In fact, when she saw us join hands, she ran over to us and asked if she could join the circle.  Before we left she told us she was a believer, too, and we had really lifted her spirits.  She said thanks again, and she hoped we all had great evenings.  I believe I will.   Psalms 104:31 says, "May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works."   Father, take care of our waitress Nicolle and her grandmother.  Amen.