An Unexpected Wake-Up Call

This is going to sound like one of those inspirational stories your grandmother would find in some rose-colored devotional magazine or book—I realize this. But, seriously, bear with me.

Not long ago, I experienced a season of selfishness. I was caught up in a time of me. My daily prayer and reflection time with God was basically extinct. I thought about it from time to time, but I would either choose sleep, work, or time with my friends. I didn’t give much thought to church or to a community of like-minded believers either. Yes, I went to church just to say I had; but that was it. I wasn’t involved in anything outside of a social scene and, sadly, had no desire to be. My life and my time also trumped those around me. I was only there for family and friends when it was convenient for me. I guess you could say that I was consumed with myself.

Although that season had its share of fun and good times, I eventually reached a point of emptiness. I felt extremely disconnected from God and my faith. I felt disconnected from my family and friends. I was at a place where I did not want to be. I wasn’t really depressed or down; I just didn’t like the direction life was headed.

Then, out of the blue, I received a letter in the mail. It was quite strange. The envelope had no return address, simply my address in typeface. At first, I thought, Oh, it’s just a chain letter of some sort. I took out the letter and unfolded it to see these words: “The Lord put it on my heart to give this to you. No strings attached. May the Lord bless you.” I unfolded the letter completely and found a $100 bill. Of course, I was astounded, shocked, amazed—as anyone would be. I thought to myself, Who sent this to me? I don’t need money. My finances are in order, and I am not struggling. I haven’t complained about financial struggles, so why did I receive this?

After the initial shock, I realized that this anonymous gift was God’s way of getting my attention. As I sat and thought about it, I realized that it was God’s way of saying, “Hello! Remember Me? It’s time to get things back in order. It’s time to stop living life for you and only you. Seriously.”

OK, I know this story may seem like it is piled high with cheese; but it was a real turning point for me. I live a great life. I have wonderful people around me each day. I have a great job. I have my health. I really have a lot going for me. And I am at a place where God can really use me. I am not married and do not have children, which leaves me with a lot of time on my hands. I have a lot of freedom, which, to me, is a real gift for this time in my life. But just like any other gift in life, I have to be a good steward of this time and this freedom. I have to give each day to God and ask Him to use it. I have to ask Him to take my tendency toward selfishness out of the equation, so I don’t end up in the same place I was three months ago.

Today, I’m still not where I want to be in life, and I doubt I ever will be. But that’s OK. I know that I am making strides, and it will all work out in the end. Seriously.

By the way, I still do not know who sent that letter to me—no clue at all.