In The Right Place At The Right Time

O Lord You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tounge, But behold O Lord, You know it altogether. You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it.

Psalm 139: 1-6

I believe that God places us in situations or places for a purpose. Most of the time, we do not understand why; but looking back in all those moments of wonder, the end result is always the same --that God's mercy and glory be revealed.

I can say I've always been carefree or careless, whichever is the more applicable term.

It was in 1992 that I was in the MBA Program at De La Salle University. I was working then near the airport at 2100 Customs Brokers, Inc. I had that habit of putting my wallet in my drawer while I was in the office. I had to be at school by 6:00 p.m. for my 1st period. I was running late so I hurried and hailed the 1st California bus that I saw. When I was about to pay for my fare, I can't find my wallet. My ATM card was in my purse but not my wallet. Luckily, or may I say by God's hand, one passenger volunteered to pay 6 pesos for me. I thanked the man and got off at EDSA. I was sure I can find an ATM in EDSA.

I walked back and forth to find an ATM machine. When I can't find one, I asked. I was told there might be one next block. I was not familiar with the place then, so I asked for the nearest pawn shop, thinking I will just pawn my ring. The nearest one is still far away for me. I haven't done that before and I was nervous. Besides, it started sprinkling already. I did not want to be late for class, but still, I need PHP 1.50 fare money from EDSA to La Salle.

I took a deep breath and said "Lord, please take care of me" while hailing the first jeepney that came. I was still thinking hard how could i get by with the fare. Honestly, I even thought of being silent because the driver might not notice that I did not pay, anyway, but I really did not want to do that. As I settled into my seat, I looked up and saw one of my high school classmates whom I've never since since HS graduation - Rowena Artista, sitting in front, beside the driver. I thanked God silently and took out one of my business cards and wrote at the back these words: "Wena, can you pls pay 1.50 for me? I left my wallet in the office. Call me and I'll pay you back. Thanks!" She paid for my fare , and I haven't seen her til now.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says: 

      "There is an appointed time for everything.  And there is a time for every event under heaven"

Last Sunday, I gave in to my husband's prodding of going fishing with them in the ocean. I declined for over a year now, since I'm not into those things. I want to read, cross stitch, cook, not outdoor activities anymore. I just want to eat them fish. Besides, I always think that the babies and the boys will be bickering and I will just be upset anyway. With 4 kids in tow, I don't think so. For whatever reason, though, I agreed that time.

I brought every conceivable thing I can so I will enjoy myself despite my bad allergies. My tissue box, cd player, walkman, camera, 2 books, a bible, and loads and loads of food and drinks. We went to wal-mart on the way to add some more food. I made sure John brought a chair for me, and our blue beach umbrella; Anything to not make me complain.

I love to take pictures so that was the main thing I did plus made sure the babies are within my eyesight. Then, when the boys are watching the babies, I did my own thing, relax and sit in the chair. I even opened my bible but got caught in the photo session again. It was getting late, and I felt guilty that I haven't done anything with the kids so I got up and played in the sand with them. We built things with the sand which the babies enjoyed, especially by filling up their pails with water and destroying what I made.

Writing down these things now, I just realized my selfishness. Even my motive in running with them in the beach was first so I can lose some weight. (Sorry, Lord!)

We went to explore farther and farther in the huge rocks. They are so beautiful. I was amazed that there are some huge marble rocks there. We ran and we jumped in some of them and I thanked God for the beauty of the nature He has created for us to enjoy. I almost missed them! Especially this sunset which I had to take a picture of.

 In the course of our little exploration, my son Ryan asked me "Mommy, what is this?" We saw a brown purse lying in the sand. I started going through it, looking for identification so we can notify whoever left it there. I couldn't find any. There was no wallet. Just receipts and some personal items. Then I felt something hard inside. It was a cell phone. I unlocked it and redialed the last number the owner called, Rich. He did not answer.

As I was trying to look for another number, Rich called. I told him I found the purse but there was no wallet in it. I was arranging for a meeting so I can give the purse back. Rich said,  "we are now in Ohio". "Would you like to me to mail you the phone or would you want the purse too?" I said, thinking since there was no wallet, they might just want the phone back. He said, she would like to have the purse back, too! And I gave them my e-mail address and phone number so they can give me their mailing address.

The owner of the purse is Alinda Olsen. I received an e-mail from her, thanking me for following up on her purse. She stated that God must have wanted us to meet for she was keeping track of her purse and she still lost it. She also said she loved Panama City and is wanting to go back every year. She is now my facebook friend. Thank God for bringing people together.

Isaiah 55:8-9 says: For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways. And my thoughts than your thoughts.

It was Divine Providence, I know, since there were people coming from that direction earlier. They could have been the ones to find the purse, but they didn't. We did! God has put me in the right place at the right time the same way He did that man from the bus and my classmate Wena.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. -- Jeremiah 29:11