Last week I went to an open house in Greenville held by Parke Wentling, our 7^th House District representative. I didn’t have time to go–it would make me at least borderline late for my appointment with my Maple Tree Cancer Alliance trainer. Still, I didn’t have peace about skipping it.

I’m involved with the Welcome Center/Greeters ministry at our church and had learned some weeks earlier that Representative Wentling and his family had been attending our church. Also, recently when I’d responded to a “contact your representative” from the American Family Association, I realized my correspondence would go to Parke Wentling.

Now seemed like a good time to show our support for him, so I ignored the clock and went. A sweet lady named Carrie came out to welcome me and led me back to where the meet and greet was taking place. I explained to Representative Wentling that I could only stay a few minutes but wanted to thank him for his service.

I also asked if there was any way we could be praying for him. He said, “I’ll take any prayers I can get.” Then he mentioned something about his daughters, and I told him, “I see you bringing your family to church on Sundays, and we’re so happy to know that our representative attends church.”

A few minutes later, I turned to leave and Carrie said she’d walk out with me. By way of explaining why I couldn’t stay, I told her about my diagnosis and the personal trainer provided by MTCA. I added, “But the greatest gift God has given me right now is His peace.” Unexpectedly, I started to cry.

Carrie glanced at the Chamber of Commerce receptionist behind us, touched my arm and said, “Let’s go outside.”

I apologized, “I’m sorry. I really don’t cry much!”

To my surprise, she smiled and said, “Would you like me to pray for you?”

I promptly agreed and she placed her hand on my shoulder and prayed a beautiful prayer in the name of Jesus that left no doubt in my mind that she knew Him personally. When she finished, I said, “Thank you so much! I’m so grateful to know that our representative has someone working for him who prays!”

“I live in Greenville,” Carrie told me, “but I work in Parke’s Hermitage office.” 

I told Carrie that I’m a writer and that the readership of my blog has grown greatly since I’ve been writing about what I’m going through.

Carrie said, “Of course, because there are other people going through hard things that need to hear what you’re learning.”

Nodding, I added, “And if that’s the reason I’m going through this, it’s a good enough reason.”

A few minutes later, I was on my way to my appointment, so blessed by Carrie’s prayer and so thankful that I hadn’t missed this opportunity to be a blessing to Parke Wentling and this opportunity to be blessed. When I arrived at Buhl Club, I found that Alissa, my trainer, wasn’t in the exercise room yet. I even had time to go to the bathroom first!

Even though I believe in being punctual, today was a great reminder that it’s far more important to be obedient to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

Thank you, Father, for guiding our steps and taking care of all the details when we obey you. Amen.