NIGHTMARES?
Last week, I suddenly decided to go with Andy to Fairfax and to take Addi too. What we thought would be a simple three or four day trip with some swimming at the motel pool for Addi turned out to be a much greater adventure.
Wednesday was a pretty normal day but that all changed on Thursday when Andy came home from work and suggested we ride the Metro to the zoo to see the new baby panda. The adventures began! While walking from the motel to the Metro, I tripped on a very uneven piece of sidewalk. I thought after sitting there for a couple of minutes my arm would be ok so we walked on to the station.
We were on the silver line of the metro then had to switch to the red line on the second floor. That’s when the worst happened! Addi was right in front of Andy and the automatic speaker said step back the doors are closing. He had his arm reached out for her and was within inches of her but he had to draw it back because the door was indeed closing!
The look of horror and fear on her face devastated our hearts, then her tears came and we were broken. Helplessly we watched her as the train pulled away for its next stop. Two ladies, each from a different side of the closed doors, reached out to her – took an interest in her as she later told us. As the train rolled quickly out of sight, I was able to make eye contact with each of the two ladies and to make a few quick motions to let them know what was happening.
Andy headed to find the metro police while I stayed in case another train came through. I began talking to the lady standing beside me. Her name was Jane. She suggested calling 911 even though Andy had gone to find the metro police. I was getting all mixed up trying to tell them about the different trains and where we were so she took the phone to clarify and after a few minutes I was talking to the metro police. Andy returned and the long eight minute wait for the next train began.
One of the ladies on the train had gotten off at the next stop and took Addi to the metro police who were waiting for her. By the time we got to Addi she was just fine and very comfortable with the lady officer.
We finally made it to the zoo and had a very enjoyable afternoon in spite of the continued swelling in my arm and the pain becoming more and more intense.
As we headed back on the Metro we got on the red train and everything was fine this time or so we thought. Once on the second train we were discussing if we were on the right line. The lady behind us said that it sounded like we needed to be on the silver line. Well, that’s what we thought we were on but no, we were on the orange line. Both go the same direction to a point but eventually end up in different places. She explained to us how far to go down to switch over to the silver line and get back to our original starting point.
During our conversation I learned her name was Sheri. We discussed the day’s happenings. While talking with Sheri and her husband we found out that they were believers and go to McLean Church. She invited us to come any time we were in the area. I gave her one of my cards to let her know about my blog and she gave me one of her cards in case we needed any more help.
As I look back over the day one could think of it as a day of nightmares but I choose to think of it as a day of God’s provision and blessing. At every turn of the road there could have been a real nightmare but God provided again and again.
He provided for Addi to have someone right there with her at all times while separated from us. God also provided someone to be with me and keep me focused. I am very thankful for Jane. She even gave me a lollipop to give to Addi when we got to her. I’m thankful for Sheri too and her husband for ministering to us as we had a calming conversation about the day’s happenings. I am extremely grateful for the lady who took Addi to the next stop. I pray that God will bless her in special ways since I have no way to thank her personally.
God had people in the right place at every turn to be there for us. Even as we went to the hospital late that night to get my arm checked, it was amazing.
The hospital emergency room was probably more than twice the size as either Williamsburg ER and there were so many people there! But yet, they took me straight back and worked with me from beginning to end with only a couple short periods of waiting. I was in and out in less than two hours. I truly believe that too was God’s provision as He cleared a path for me through the system. I do have a broken wrist but am extremely grateful to God that it is my left one since I am right handed.
None of what happened that day took God by surprise. He had someone in place, ready for each of us at the right time and even cleared the path through the hospital emergency room!
We have an awesome God who knows our every need even before we do! Our God is always faithful to provide in every circumstance! He never changes and never fails.
Psalm 46:1 King James Version (KJV)
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Psalm 118:1 New Living Translation (NLT)
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
whisperinghope4rightnow 
Wow! What a day. Sorry about your wrist. None of you will soon forget about that day. Glad all else ended well.
Linda
Sent from my iPad
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When things do not go as planned I usually say we are just making a memory. Well this was a big memory making day that we will not soon forget.
So grateful to God that He is always with us and always in complete control!
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Lynn, I’ve just read your post. The Lord does care! We had a similar situation years ago at a very large mall in Columbus, OH. We lost Jeff in a huge crowd. We were praying disparately. When Don looked down by his side…Jeff was walking right beside him. We have often felt that the Lord had an angel just lift Jeff from wherever he was and place him right beside his dad. I’m so glad I belong to the Lord. Juanita
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Yes, God does hear us when we pray and often answers in mysterious ways!
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