Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

The newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness throughout the world.

Special Treat  - Janice Bumbalough Marler

June 7, 2007

 It Was Just a Wish
By
Janice Bumbalough Marler

December of 2004, a young lady I knew received a Guidepost hardback book for Christmas.  I had no idea Guidepost made hardback books.  Since I like Guidepost, I was a little envious of her.  Not to the point of sinfulness, but I wished I had one too.  I never told a soul; I kept the wish to myself.  

Surgery was looming over my head; a massive tear, located in my right shoulder rotator cuff, had to be repaired.  The later part of January had been decided upon by my Orthopedic Surgeon.  Before surgery, I needed a few items from our local Wal Mart store.  While touring the store, I saw a back brush and some body wash, but I didn't get them.  I put them on my 'I'll-get-them-later' list.  Surgery came and went. 

Everything was a success, although I wasn't prepared for the intensive pain I was to experience.  Prayers went up in my behalf at church.  Being raised in a grounded Christian home taught me that prayer is essential for our spiritual growth. I am so fortunate to have Christ is my life.  

I had not prayed for the Guidepost hardback book, nor had I prayed that God would give me a back brush and body wash.  Why would I ask God for those things when I needed Him to answer far bigger issues?  After all, it was just a wish.

Often God uses us as His instruments for carrying out His ‘wishes’.  Apparently this is what happened in February when good Christian friends of mine were used as God’s instruments.  John and Ellen visited me before Christmas and we had a great time. (Before the wishes)  That was the last time I had any contact with them prior to my surgery.  (They do not live in close proximity to me). 

It was late one evening when John came to the door with a beautiful blue package lined with blue tissue paper.  “Ellen wanted me to give you this.”  He seemed a little confused.  When I opened the package, inside was a back brush, a bottle of Caress body wash,

 and a hard back Guidepost book.  I laughed and told John about my wishes.  After all it was just a wish. 

He was as shocked as I was.  I told Ellen, recently, that I was going to share this story with the world.

 
Now when hard times befall me I think about the gift package with my wishes inside, and I know God hears even the smallest wish or want and He still holds me close to His heart.

Janice Bumbalough Marler

poetrybyjan@aol.com