"Are you looking for a place?"

My Spanish teacher and I were walking around town, following up housing leads. For my 2nd summer in Guatemala, I had been a bit more adventurous than my first trip. I had lined up Spanish schools and homestays in 3 different towns, one off the beaten path.

I was in the infamous hippie town, San Pedro La Laguna, on Guatemala's beautiful Lake Atitlan, whom Aldous Huxley termed "the most beautiful place in the world." My homestay was not a place I felt comfortable, so I was looking for a new place to call home for the 2 weeks I'd be studying there. My Spanish teacher was helping me.

Evidently my mission to find housing was easily discerned by the local who approached us that morning. After a brief conversation, my teacher and I followed the chapin down a narrow path toward the lake.

For less than a 20 minute phone call home to my Mom, I could rent a cute little home 1000 feet from the lake (closest thing to heaven on this earth), and 1/4 mile from my school. FOR 2 WEEKS. 2 WEEKS! The things dreams are made of. Happening. To ME. No. FOR ME.

Throughout my life, there have been these moments. These times where the God of the Universe has stooped down and offered His hand. Times when He has shown up to do something special just because I'm His kid. Just to let me know He still sees me, and that He is near.

The times when I notice these favors most? Is when I've stepped out of the boat AT HIS WORD, and am obeying something He has spoken specifically into my life. In this case, it was the call to become fluent in Spanish.

Obedience has it's rewards. This God who meets us in prayer, in great worship services, in our quiet study times, in the eyes of the people we meet, also meets us AS WE GO. As we obey.

And His rewards tend to be better than what we ask Him for. Like a good Dad, He only gives the best gifts.

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