It’s early and my youngest and I begin our one hour trip to his weekly Robotics class. We talk homeschool and weather and baseball.

“You know, the Bible says that God orders our steps,” I share, “and I believe He has ordered your steps by placing you on the exact team with the exact coach He wants you with.”

“And,” I continue, “I’m sure He plans to use you there if you will allow Him to. Maybe you could pray for your team before games or whatever else you feel the Holy Spirit asking you to do. I know He has called you to be a leader. He will show you what to do when the time is right.”

He nods his head in agreement and I hope these words I tuck into ordinary moments find their way to his heart.

He waves goodbye and two minutes later my phone rings with the news that class has been canceled. My hearts sinks. What kind of mother drops her child off for class when there is no class?

I make a u-turn and quickly swing into the first parking spot I see.

“We are so sorry! We handed out notes last week and apologize that you did not get one.”

My mind wanders back to last week and I remember our early departure to get back home in time for a Valentine’s party.

I smile and try to hide my embarrassment, frustration, and a million other emotions as we make our way to the nearest Chick-Fil-A.

Some small talk with the friendly counter attendant (who, by the way, is also a homeschooler) provides a possible opportunity to turn our day around when he encourages us to visit the park across the street before we go home.

“There’s a park across the street? Thank you. We might just do that.”

As I sit down the Holy Spirit reminds me of some words shared by my friend, Lisa, on her blog recently. This unexpected moment invites me to pause and listen and I find confirmation as I open my Bible and record these scriptures in my journal:

If you stop listening to instruction, my child, you will turn your back on knowledge (Proverbs 19:27).
Moreover, He said to me, “Son of man, take into your heart all my words which I will speak to you and listen closely.” (Ezekiel 3:10)

I hear my own words from this morning whispered back to me in a question.

“Do you believe I am the One who orders YOUR steps?”

I close my eyes and surrender the restructuring of my day. Yes, Lord.

The next couple of hours are filled with discoveries and beauty and moments created just for us at a park we didn’t even know existed. So obvious are the little personal touches and gifts prepared for Logan and me by the One who loves us so well.

A sparkling reservoir hidden in the middle of the city.

Park benches and picnic tables and perfect spots for future lunches after class.

Hiking trails and deer tracks and logs chewed apart by beavers.

An empty skate board park desperate for some action.

Innumerable places to linger. And listen.

A new idea and some divine direction.

He does order our steps.

And when we choose to pause and listen?

We find His Words tucked into our ordinary moments.

And we find hidden nuggets of wisdom in unexpected places.

Maybe you’re facing a situation that isn’t going exactly as you planned it. Maybe life isn’t turning out like you thought it would.

Listen closely, friend.

The God of the Universe is also the God of this moment.

Maybe He’s reordering or restructuring some things.

Maybe He’s inviting you to draw a little closer.

And maybe, right smack dab in the middle of some place you don’t even know exists, he’s got a park bench with your name on it. 

Let’s talk:

• Have you discovered hidden nuggets of wisdom in unexpected places?
• When was the last time you paused to find His Words tucked into your ordinary moments?
• What can you do today that will help you to be intentional about hearing His voice?