Lexi's Journal

 by Macy Johnson

“If you see your brother’s ox or sheep straying,

do not ignore it but be sure to take it back to him.”

(Deuteronomy 22:1 NIV)

 

My husband and I drove through Siloam, Georgia on the way to Costco Wholesale in Augusta one July afternoon. When we turned the corner to get on I-20, I noticed an ice machine on the left. We like to have a cooler filled with ice in case we buy items that need to be refrigerated for the hour-long drive home. “Why don’t we stop here, instead of a store?” I asked Jeff. He turned into the free-standing kiosk’s parking area.

 

While loading ice, Jeff saw a bright red notebook on the ground next to an unopened peanut butter and jelly sandwich. He chuckled at the sight and handed the book to me. It was a child’s journal, filled with first grade pictures and stories.

 

The Holy Spirit nudged me later to locate the author. I discovered her name in an obituary for her great grandfather. Lexi’s name was listed next to a sister named Macy. I then googled one of the adult’s names in the obituary and discovered he worked for my city. After several phone calls and explanations of a found journal, I spoke with Lexi’s great uncle, a dispatcher at the sheriff’s department in a nearby county. I mailed Lexi’s journal to him that afternoon.

 

In a recent blog by Becky Keife, she reminded me, “When that Voice (of the Holy Spirit) speaks, whether you feel like obeying or not, whether your circumstances make perfect sense or not, you need to listen and respond. Doubt is normal – but you’ll miss out on what God wants to do if you defer to what is most comfortable.”

 

I will pay close attention to the nudges of the Spirit. I hope you will, too!