Flights are missed, exams are failed , people move away, things break and sometimes, as in my case today, get lost. In other words, life happens. No one is immune to unfavorable events occurring, including yours truly. 

This morning, I checked the forecast on my iPhone to decide what to wear for the day. Sunny with blue skies! I was excited about going to the Lifehouse women’s event “Shine” in Osaka. It’s about a 10-minute bus ride from my house to the subway. Happy to be heading there early, I found a seat on the train when I realized I didn’t have my phone. I decided to go back home to get it. 

However, after checking every place I could think of and suddenly feeling an unease building up in my gut, I had to make a decision. The thought of staying to continue to search for it crossed my mind but something told me to pray about it and just go. I trusted that voice. 

I’m so glad I did! The event was wonderful. I had great conversations with my friends and made new ones, heard amazing testimonies about transformed lives and got to have Mexican food for lunch with lovely company. ( My sweet pal, Sae, helped me report my lost phone to the bus company in case that was where it had fallen out.)

All the while, I made the conscious choice to keep my peace, let go of any worry or fear in my heart and trust that God was in control. A few years ago this would not have been how I reacted at all. I realized how much I’ve grown and how important it  is to prepare for these situations before they happen ( because they will!)

While on our way back to Kobe, my generous pal, Ian, gave me her key chain that was given at the event. I didn’t get one since I arrived late. As I read the verse on the key chain, again the voice of assurance that all was well was clear.

After leaving Osaka, I reported the lost phone at the local police box. They said nothing had shown up and gave me a report number in case they call. After I did all I believed I could do, I went home not with my phone but with calmness in my mind and gratefulness in my heart. The soft pink setting sky reflected what I was feeling then. 
JOY