But then I looked up and saw that I was within walking distance of a gas station and I was able to fill up a container and then the tank fairly quickly. A tenderhearted gentleman stopped to help the "damsel in distress" and laughed when I nervously fumbled around looking for the gas cap release button. I explained that I had only had the car for a few days.
He grinned as he reached over and opened the gas tank door on the side of the car, "Did you plan to just drive the car until it ran out of gas and then park it?" "Maybe!" I answered sarcastically. I couldn't help but laugh with him, especially since I had just realized that in my bound from the car towards the gas station, I had split my long skirt clear up to the top of my legs! There was nothing else to do at that moment, but laugh. I almost felt relieved, because I knew then that I was sitting on rock bottom in a torn skirt and this day couldn't possibly get worse.
God somehow carried me all the way to the auditorium where I found that I had only missed a short rehearsal. Backing into a corner, I took off my coat and replaced it with my graduation gown, so as not to reveal my newly "tailored" skirt. I found my seat and no one ever knew a thing, including my family who was entering the building. Finally, a calm came over me. "I made it. Thank you God ... thank you ... thank you," I whispered.
I realized right then that the last thirty minutes of my life had been somewhat of a summary of the last four years of college.
The ceremony could've been a blur, but instead it was real, momentous, and profound. Tears fell uncontrollably as my eyes opened wide to what was happening. As my personal pandemonium subsided, God brought me to a very quiet, peaceful place. Not only was I thanking Him for getting me to graduation safely, but more importantly, I was truly thanking Him for guiding me through four years of college and allowing me to reach a goal. He used the experience that afternoon to remind me that no matter how chaotic life had gotten, He was bringing me in for a safe landing through faith in Him.
Now that God has entrusted me with the Christian walk of a child, I pray that I can teach him to live by faith and learn to sometimes simply ... "be still" and listen and to give thanks.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. ... The nations are in an uproar ... Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth." The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge." (Psalm 46:1,6,10-11)
