A few weeks ago, I had the honor of being a bridesmaid at my best friend’s wedding.
I remember being very excited about the whole event except for one small detail. The wedding was twelve hours away, and as a college student I hardly had the money to fly, book a hotel, and a rent a car. So I grabbed a friend, and at 3 a.m., just two days before the wedding, we set off in my sister’s little 2005 Kia Rio with no A/C.
The drive down, found us feeling tired, stuck in traffic for hours on end, and on top of all that, a thunder storm followed us all the way. It took us over 16 hours to get there.
Arriving at my friend’s house, it dawned on me that it hadn’t crossed my mind to pray; not once. Feeling kind of ashamed of myself, I quietly bowed my head and thanked God for bringing us safely and taking care of us. I went to bed that night, promising myself that I would remember God the rest of the time I was there.
Embarrassed
The next morning came and I spent the day with the bride-to-be doing typical “before the Big Day” things. We spent a lovely time at the beach, we shopped until our feet hurt, and we went out to eat at a fancy restaurant. As I drove back to the house, it dawned on me yet again that I hadn’t yet prayed that day. Two days in a row? I felt even more embarrassed of myself than the first day and immediately prayed right then and there.
Finally, the big day of the wedding came and excitement filled the air, as well as a good dose of chaos. There was fabulous music and decorations at the wedding, the pastor gave a moving sermon that brought everyone (even the bride and groom) to tears, and we moved on to a simply perfect reception. I congratulated my best friend on her new life she was about to start and quickly went out the door to start the trek back to school.
On the long drive back, everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. My car got a flat tire, all kinds of warning lights were going off, we got stuck in traffic for hours on end, and another thunderstorm followed us. It was the absolute worse road trip I’ve ever taken.
And then I realized again—I hadn’t prayed! My God, who loves and protects me, pulled me through a terrible day in spite of my forgetfulness of Him.
Proverbs 16:9 says, “A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.” So thankful for a God who directs my steps even in the difficulties of a long hard trip. I missed the peace I could have had—despite the hard day—if only I had taken the time to pray.
