I  found them on Amazon and ordered both. Since we get our mail at the post office, for the next few days I was on the look out for a yellow card that heralded a package waiting for me. One morning I was grabbing the mail in a rush, having forgotten about the books, and there was the canary paper tucked in between junk mail and credit card bills. 

 

"Oh yes. I wanted this. Here it is." Even though I was already late I went to the window to retrieve my prize.

 

In my prayers a while back I told God I wanted to hear more about what John is thinking. Some days go by with little more interchange than minutia about groceries that are getting low and reminders to pick up kids. I wanted deeper connection, and I prayed for it. At dinner I asked how his day was, but his answer was concise. I tried to start a conversation the next morning but he seemed distracted. 

 

Two nights ago, as my brain was winding down John started to vent about the elections. My mind is not at its peak performance at that hour, and my first impulse was to slide upstairs. But then I recalled my own prayer. I had asked for connection, and he was talking. I don't think I said a word for twenty minutes, certainly nothing interesting, but he rambled about the debates and the integrity of the candidates. I listened. While the topic was not what I was most curious about, it did give me an avenue into his mind. 

 

I doubt that the books would have arrived at the post office if I had not first asked for them. I also question whether the  connection with John would have happened if I had not first prayed for it, and then noticed when the chance came disguised in a late night ramble. 

 

Ask and it shall be given unto you, seek and you shall find. Knock and it will be opened unto you.- Matthew 7

 

Photo by Andy Sullivan

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