Tender Mercies

It's been a rough day...

Changing your whole life to become a missionary is wonderful and hard all at the same time. Today was more about learning the hard way than accomplishing anything, but at least we're learning. As I looked at my notes tonight I saw three phrases from yesterday...President's car, Elder Evans and graham crackers. I was immediately reminded how much the Lord blesses us and how His hand can be seen in the smallest of life's details.

President's car

President called the office to say that he was dropping his car at the garage because of a loud banging noise. Turns out a lug nut had broken off and was banging around and that the other four were loose. The mechanic who checked said he must have had guardian angels holding that wheel on during his long drive home the night before. I totally believe that. Thanks to the Lord's tender mercies, the car we drive had just finished its regular service and was there for him to drive home. He was able to pick up his family at the airport and keep all his appointments. The Lord's timing is impressive.

Elder Evans

Jeff planned to go with Elder Evans to a doctor appointment in downtown Frankfurt, but the traffic and parking were so bad that Elder Evans jumped out and ran on his own. When we went to pick him up we could see him coming toward us but there was no way to make the connection...until we turned the corner and found a delivery truck blocking the road. Within two minutes we had him and were safely on our way. Tender mercies again. Timing that close can not be coincidence.

Graham Crackers

I am not a cook, and as the time approaches that I have to take over menu planning for all the lunches we cook for meetings, my stress level continues to climb. Over anxiously searching recipes, I bemoaned both the unavailability of graham crackers and all cooking in general. As I eventually prayed for help, I immediately knew what I could use instead and the next day got a chance to get some graham crackers from another missionary going to the military PX. A tender reminder and gift of encouragement from a loving Heavenly Father. Help is always at hand. I just have to remember when the temptation is to be unreasonably overwhelmed.

2 Nephi 32:9 But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform anything unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate they performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul.