July 31 - “Amidst the chaos”

After a harrowing drive through Houston with such added attractions as unending construction and an unfortunately placed  wreck right in the middle lane and numerous cars on the side of the road (Some were accompanied by the flashing lights of an “escort;” an inordinate amount of others were, believe it or not, changing flat tires.  We decided it had to be the heat.  It reached 105 before we reached our destination), we made it to the Buc-ees in Madisonville. 

Ah, Buc-ees, a quiet bastion of peace and clean restrooms after such a storm of travel.  We pulled off the freeway and made our way toward the entrance.  And that resulted in an “Uh-oh.”  The entire parking lot was crammed with weary traveler cars.  Every gas pump was taken, with an impatient line behind them.  We have never seen anything like it.  We managed to find a parking place, but the inside of the store was a madhouse.  It was like Minute Maid Park after an Astros victory.  No one wants to leave, so 40,000 people just mill around.  There must have been at least that many in Buc-ees.  There was literally not enough room to turn around. 

Forget the anticipated “quick lunch.”  We decided right away to stop somewhere down the road.  It was a struggle, but we made our way to the bathrooms.  Of course the men’s bathroom experience was much easier to deal with that the women’s, so I returned to the hustle and bustle of the store area, found a spot and just stopped to wait for Chris and watch the people.  And as I waited I felt a distinct tap on my shoulder.  Not the brush and bumps of the thundering hordes.  This was a definite tap to get my attention.  And then I heard, “Long way from home, aren’t you?”  I slowly turned to locate the voice’s source, and imagine my surprise when there before me stood a Seasider.  Mike and his family had been up near Dallas for the weekend and were headed home.  We talked for a while, then he moved on toward the bathroom himself.  I was anxious to tell Chris about my experience, but she trumped me.  Seems she had already run into Mike’s wife Lori.  And Chris, being the kind-hearted, ministry-minded soul that she is, insisted that we wait and reconnect with them again.  Seems Lori had a pretty bad toothache, and Chris wanted to make sure we prayed with her.  It took some doing, but we located them again, and right there in the midst of the Buc-ees madness, we prayed.  And as we said “amen” and rejoined the world around us, I noticed how much space had been afforded us.  Chaos all around.  Peaceful prayer within.  Crowded, but small world.  Really Big God.

Psalms 89:2 says, “I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.”

Father, please work your healing in Lori’s life.  And would you start in her mouth?  She could sure use some relief.  Amen.