WOW!

What a day I had yesterday!

First, a tropical storm system swept through Houston, flooding most of the streets and major highways.  I couldn't bring Nelly (my 21 year-old car, which I love, LOL) to work, so my husband had to bring me in the Suburban.  I thank God that we weren't stuck in those floodwaters, and that none of our vehicles suffered any water damage.  Many people were stuck in rising floodwater for hours, and some had to be rescued.  The water rose around our little home, and a teeny bit of water seeped in, but dried up or seeped back out once the waters started to recede.  We thank God for that, too.  Some of our neighbors just around the corner and down the street from us received substantial floodwater into their homes.  You know those beautiful Honda Odyssey vans?  We saw two people pushing one of those through the flood waters on our way to work!  There was also some college kids whose brand-new BMW was stuck in the waters on the news.  I hope those people can get those cars running again!

Got to work about 25 minutes late (I had already called my sups and let them know the situation.  I was fine, of course; I used emergency vacation (EV) to make up the time), and folks were hopping mad, as usual, because many, if not all, inbound and outbound flights were delayed due to the weather.  I managed to calm most of my callers, though, with my Southern charm (LOL). 

I knew that my co-workers were planning to celebrate my birthday since last week; they had already asked me what kind of cake I liked and all.  However, with all that was happening today, I didn't think that they'd go through with it.  Sure enough, one of the co-workers who was planning the bash (and who was OFF today) came with a delicious Taco salad (made from scratch), 2 cakes (devil's food, my favorite, and pineapple upside-down), and plenty of sodas and teas.  I was SO taken aback at how generous these people were to me!  And I thank God for that, because I know all too well that my co-workers DIDN'T have to care, or go through the trouble. 

After we shared my birthday meal, I received a surprise.  Remember a while back, I had mentioned that one of my co-workers was going to mornings, and her Sunday-Monday slot would be opened.  I didn't expect to get it, though God knew that I WANTED it, because even though I work evenings, I still go to church every Sunday morning.  Plus, I am dead last on the seniority list.  One of the sups handed me a paper asking if I was interested in the off days.  I signed my name, but I made a specification that if I didn't receive them, to keep my off days at Tuesday-Wednesday.  Well, my co-workers told me that they "talked it over," and all decided on my behalf that I was going to get those days!  Well, words cannot express how happy I am.  Getting my girls ready for church Sunday mornings can be such a drain, then I am almost always late because after hubby and girls leave, I have to prepare Sunday dinner, then get ready for church AND work.  Now, I have ALL DAY to do those things!  God is SO GOOD!!!!

I remember when I worked for the police department in New Orleans.  They had this system set up where every co-worker's birthday was supposed to be recognized, too.  Everyone was required to participate when the birthdays came around, meaning that we either had to contribute money or bring potluck for the celebrations.  I participated for EVERY party.  But when my turn came, lo and behold, there was no celebration.  No plans.  No potluck.  No money contributed.  I was the only one who had a birthday in August.  Words cannot describe how hurt I was.  It was obvious that I was snubbed.  I wasn't well-liked.  I had told a trusted friend about what happened, and he told me that from then on, NEVER expect or wait on someone else to celebrate my birthday for or with me.  He told me to celebrate my birthday whether anyone else, that goes for my husband, relatives, or friends, remembers.  And I have done that ever since.  Needless to say, I was taken aback by the kindness.  I had worked for the NOPD for several years, and hadn't been here a year yet! LOL  I am humbled,and so very grateful.  

It's nice to know when God is smiling on you.  Sometimes, I work so hard, and in return, sometimes life just kicks me in my gut.  I wonder what the point is many times.  But the Lord loves me so much, that He shows me, in His way, that He sees me, and that He is pleased with me.  I am grateful that He can trust me to live a kind of life that influences others in a positive way.  All that happened yesterday is just a reminder, and encouragement from Him, to keep on keeping on!  Hallelujah!   

Other cool things happened yesterday, but I think this blog is long enough, LOL.  Who knew that such an ugly day could turn out so nice?

Adrian