She leaves her things all over the house.  Her intentions are always good ones, grand ones in fact.  She has her mother’s desire for creating something big, making the party just a little more fun by going a step further.  She takes what is fine, and makes it awesome.  I love it about her, but the reality of that personality in the day to day can be trying to keep up with.  And since she leaves her projects everywhere, it is never a surprise when she cannot find whatever it is she is looking for.  Unfortunately, her last item that went missing was her wallet.  The one that contained all of her money she had been saving for the past six months.  All $180.  The wallet that held every 50 cents earned here, and every one dollar earned there, all being saved to buy her own iPod Touch.  I was unaware that she had taken it with her to the movie theatre so that she could buy everyone popcorn and candy, and then maybe a round of play on an arcade game on the way out the door.  She was so proud to have the means to be able to provide such a treat, but two days after the movie, she couldn’t find the wallet.  Her heart sank…and so did mine.  She came to me sobbing, and I knew this was going to be a hard lesson to learn.  We tore our house apart looking for her wallet, it was nowhere to be found.  That evening she sat in bed with me and asked what else I could think to do.  I responded with half hearted suggestion, “All we can do Ella is pray that you will find it.”  I told her I thought God would show her where her wallet was, but even if He didn’t, then I was sure there was a lesson in this somehow for her.  That in the end, this experience would teach her something that could be used for good.

The next morning offered little more hope.  She came into my room, again teary-eyed, and wanting to ask me something.  She said through a cracking voice and lump in her throat, “You know how you say that God told you to home school us?  I keep asking God to tell me where my wallet is and I don’t know how to hear Him answer me.  How did you hear what He said to you?”  Have you ever been there?  Have you ever wanted an answer so badly, have you ever needed an audible response from God so much that you have begged for it?  Your needs have probably been greater than that of a child looking for a missing wallet, but I dare say the request comes from the same child-like innocence of the heart.  And with all her questions, my arms of little faith hugged her and told her to be patient, and wait for answers…even though I was doubting she would get them.

But then Sunday morning came.  We were rushing, trying desperately to not be late for church.  In all the chaos, her father came across a bag that was tucked underneath another bag, which had been tucked underneath something else.  An answered prayer for the one that waits in faithful anticipation on the Lord was hidden inside a bag.  Her daddy found her wallet.  Well of course he did.  And he delighted to reveal it to his daughter, because that’s what Fathers do.  The Father sees the needs of His children.  He hears our prayers and He longs to prove himself enough.  All wise.  All knowing.  All sufficient. He is mighty to save and able to find what is lost, and He is ready to delight over you with singing. Oh what a happy day it was.  And for those still waiting for answers far deeper than these of a nine year old little girl, keep the faith!  Your strength is being renewed as you wait on the Lord, and your day of rejoicing is near.

(All photos credited: Rachel @ Millie Holloman Photography)

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