The Message of the Lost Keys

Recently, I've been noticing frequent themes in some of my day to day occurrences.  For example, seeing a sunset which resembled a flag in the sky on Veteran's Day!  Some may call it co-incidence...but I don't believe in co-incidence.  It seems the more alive I am...the more awake, observant, aware of my surroundings, the more I seem to notice moments which are weaved together with significant messages.  For example...my most recent theme was the message of the lost keys!  

It was a foggy afternoon; nearing the dinner hour. Despite my hunger pangs, I felt the need to make just one more stop and scope out the big sale at a small department store in town. After scouring the store, hoping to find a frugalista kind of deal to no avail, I then spotted two hat trees and tried on every hat until the perfect little cap appeared. Alas, I would not leave this super sale empty handed!

While at the checkout, it dawned on me that my entire set of keys was no longer with me! With panic in my voice, I exclaimed to the clerk that I’d lost my keys. She very calmly advised me to re-trace my steps and I’d be sure to find them. Thankful that the store wasn’t very large, I did just that…but no keys! I looked beneath and in between the clothing racks, checked the shoe displays, the sunglass towers, on top of and underneath every display and still could not find my keys.

I began thinking about what I could do if they did not appear, like call my neighbor to pick me up; then it dawned on me…not only were my car keys on that ring, but my house keys also! When I mentioned this to the clerk, she said “Oh, no, you can’t even go home!” “Right” I said. “I can’t go home!”  Without my keys, I was stuck there with nowhere to go! All sense of calm was now gone along with my keys and I was becoming more frantic by the minute.

I enlisted the help of other concerned shoppers; the clerk was scouring every inch of the store with her focus on the floor as I shook the hat tree hoping I had left them under one of the hats I’d tried on.

Trying to regain my composure, I asked for God's help..."God, please calm me...God, please help me find my keys!"

Suddenly, I recalled that I had looked at a large bowl on display. I walked back to the bowl, and there on the glass shelf, next to it was my entire set of keys! “Yes! Thank you Lord”! I exclaimed, drawing the attention of a few inquisitive patrons!  The shopper and clerk raced over to see where I found them and together, we walked to the front of the store. With a deep sigh, I profoundly thanked them for their help and said "I really need to go home...and I'm so happy I can now!"

In a silent moment between me and God, I thanked Him for His presence and asked forgiveness for my panic. I admit I was slightly amused and very delighted that the moment I said "help me God", the keys appeared.   :)

~Co-incidence? If you believe in coincidence…I don’t.~

The very next day, I was reading in a beautiful little book, “His Princess, Love letters from your King", given to me by a precious friend.  Here is what the message for that day said: 

“My Princess, Freedom is a Choice”

“I long to give you the keys to be free from the
 things that bind you and see you break through to a blessed life in Me.

But your freedom is a choice…your choice.

You can be totally free in Me or try to set yourself free. I promise, my princess, I am the only one who can give you the life giving keys you need and want. The keys are hidden in My word, empowered by your prayer, and completed by the work of my Holy Spirit living in you. Choose the way, my love…choose life.

Love,

Your King and your freedom”

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed”  John 8:36

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~ Co-incidence? If you believe in co-incidence! I don’t! ~

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How grateful I am that I found my keys…

Because without the keys we cannot go home!