My Easter Miracle

I’ve been a little short on funds lately; I had a few larger expenses and didn’t budget quite like I should’ve to make up for them. Over the past couple of months, I’ve had to borrow money from my parents a couple of times. I would pay them back only to realize that I still needed help. I had realized the error of my ways and sworn to be more cautious, but when my last payday came, my balance was low enough that I could only afford tithing, rent, and groceries.  That weekend, I went grocery shopping and paid my tithing. When I checked my balance on Monday, however, I realized that I hadn’t calculated properly and did not have enough money to pay my rent. I was short by 30 dollars.

I had a few options. I could borrow more money from my parents, but I really hate to do that, and I don’t want them to worry about me. I could ask my landlady to hold my check, but that’s hardly professional, and I didn't want her to worry either. Finally, I knelt and prayed for a miracle.  I told the Lord that if I had to, I’d swallow my pride and borrow the money from my parents, but if it was His will for things to work out differently, I’d sure appreciate it.

Friday came, and still I had no idea how I would pay my rent. I’d pretty much resigned to the fact that I’d have to borrow from my parents. That evening, though, two friends who had owed me money paid me back.  I then rediscovered a check from Intermountain Health, crediting me for an overpayment, and a twenty dollar bill I had received for Christmas. Together, these totaled 80 dollars. It was more than enough to pay my rent. I realized that the Lord had provided a miracle.

Part two isn't necessarily a miracle, but it’s an act of service that brought tears to my eyes. This morning, while driving to my parents’ house for Easter brunch, the gas light turned on in my car. The last quarter tank of gas tends to sneak away from me if I’m not paying close attention, and apparently I hadn't been. I knew that I probably had enough gas to get around for the rest of the day, and I knew I could afford to get a little bit of gas the next day, but I felt a bit defeated. It had been a very long week, and this just stressed me out a bit.

My mom was kind enough to let me borrow her car for church so that I could make the gas that I had left last longer.  Later that night, when I left for home, I noticed that the gas gauge now showed that I had just over a quarter tank of gas left, rather than the eighth I’d had that morning. At first I thought the gauge would return to low as I drove, but it didn't  It stayed up there the whole drive home. It turns out my brother (who is not active at this time) took my car while I was at church and put just a little bit of gas in it. I started to cry as I realized the love that my brother has for me that led him to do this act of service for me. He might not have thought much of it, but it meant a lot to me.

For the few of you who read this blog (and maybe the few of you who have stumbled across it), I want you to know that the Lord knows and loves each and every one of us on a very personal level. He knows what we need, and He will bless us for keeping His commandments. The tender mercies of the Lord are real. Miracles are a part of reality. I know that trusting in the Lord has and will continue to bring me to a greater level of happiness than anything on Earth can ever hope to aspire to.

Today we celebrate Easter. We remember Christ’s Atonement and resurrection. We believe in a living Christ who has suffered for our sins. He knows each of our sorrows. He has felt each of our trials, and He will lead us to salvation by the straight and narrow path.  I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

P.S. I’m now 27. Still single, still doing great J