Provision.

Almost three weeks ago, my car was stolen from in front of the house where I've been living. My initial feelings ran a wide spectrum- I felt violated, I felt like an injustice had happened to me, I was in shock; and yet, there was a peace over me as well. I just needed to sort of laugh at the situation and take a step back to see how God was going to come through on this one.

There were a few complicating factors: I totaled my car three years ago and collected a salvage check, I don't have homeowner's insurance or renter's insurance, my title and all car paperwork is in a file...that's in the trunk of the car.

About a week ago I found out that my car was worth $400 back in 2006 after my accident, so a claims investigator was confused as to why I have been paying comprehensive rates on my car for the last three years on a car that is basically worth zilch at this point....after I heard that news, I was a bit ticked at my insurance agent that he hadn't informed me of this little tidbit of information. After doing a few calculations, I was about $1500 in the hole in overpayments alone. Not to mention the personal effects in the car that weren't going to be reimbursed.

Enter the good news: my dad was meeting with a family friend about something completely unrelated, but was telling her about my situation. She informed my dad that her mother had recently passed away and a car had been left in her possession that she had no use for keeping. She enthusiastically insisted that she give the car to me. After my dad found out that it was a car somewhat resembling a boat, he gently stated that it might not be a great fit for his daughter (the practical, gas-saving, earth-loving being that she is).

However, after a little more thought, my dad told his friend that he would be delighted to take the car, and he would give the car that he is driving, to me! Now this is something I can drive! My dad will be the proud owner of a boat that has 37,000 miles it, is ancient, and yet is in immaculate condition.

Fast forward to Christmas Eve: My insurance claims agent leaves a message on my cell. They have decided to settle and close my claim, with no news on the car, they have decided to cut me a check.....for $2000!!!!!!

HECK YES!

I not only will be GIVEN a car, but I will have more than enough money to replace the belongings that were in the car originally!

And that's what I call, provision.

Home.

This past week I had the opportunity to spend time back in my old stopping grounds of Denver, CO to take a mini vacation while David and JJ packed up their house in Nashville. They finally closed on it on Friday! It has been three and a half months now since I jam-packed my room into my Honda Civic (bless it’s soul, wherever it’s stolen remains may be) and drove back to Phoenix. My how life takes us on so many twists and turns. Since then, Josh was diagnosed with cancer, my grandmother passed away, my parents moved, David and JJ have a song on the radio, Lucy celebrated her first birthday, my car got stolen and perhaps another one might be given to me….

Despite the rollercoaster that has been my life, taking a break and returning to Denver still felt like home. Catching up with friends was like putting on my winter coat that has been hanging in my closet the last several months- it fit like a glove and was as comfortable as ever! I enjoyed every minute spent with friends, laughing and crying, walking and talking, listening and telling. As much as Denver is a place where I feel at peace, I also know that Phoenix is where I am meant to be during this season of my life. I don’t know how long this season will be, but while I am in it, I will try my hardest to bloom where I’m planted, take a day at a time, notice God’s little graces throughout the day, and recognize God’s provision and orchestration every step of the way.

My hope is that during this Christmas season, we will all recognize God’s ultimate provision for us. Merry Christmas friends!