Once again I was away from home with time on my hands. I decided to sit at an open air bar and read a newspaper. Having looked at the various headlines on offer I felt it was too nice a day to be spoilt with negative storylines and bad news.
So I sat at a table nursing a long cool drink and looked inside my attaché-case for something to read. There I found an old copy of “Prison to Praise” by Merlin R Carothers. I must have read it several times. So I took it out for a quick read.
It’s one of a series of Praise books by the same author, in which he teaches we should praise God at all times, even when times are bad and things go wrong. Worth a read!
I was still reading when the waitress came to take my lunch order.
So I sat there with nothing much to do – and I was good at doing it too.
The restaurant was busy and the service very slow – but no matter, I had time on my hands and it helped me contemplate about the past, the present, and what may happen to me in the future too. Hopefully with God at my side.
Eventually, the waitress asked me: Have you had your dessert sir?
Actually, no.
What was it you ordered?
Well … it was so long ago I really can’t remember.
She smiled and said she’ll check and bring it to me straightaway.
Moments later she brought me something which I’m certain I didn’t order.
I looked at the menu and it was described as: A freshly baked waffle covered in maple syrup and fruits of the wood and garnished with a raspberry coulis.
I’m sure I never ordered that! I’m far too unsophisticated to know what a coulis is.
I checked my pocket dictionary and it said: A thick sauce made of puréed fruit or vegetables.
Oh well, I thought. This isn’t the safe vanilla ice-cream I normally settle for. Let’s try it anyway. After all, the waitress has hurried away to serve someone else.
It was delicious I tell you. Exceeded expectations.
Which brings me to another thought.
Sometimes, like this waitress, God answers our prayers by serving us something we never expected and far better than what we asked for.
So there you have it. A Happy Blog with a book recommendation; and a reminder that sometimes God’s answers to prayers exceed expectations.
P.S.
You will note I am far too polite to suggest you read my own book "VISIONS". If you want to know more about it check it out HERE along my other books.
I’ve read it several times. I’m sure you’ll like it!
I am so thankful you had such a lovely day, Victor! I wouldn't know what that was, either...I have wondered as I hear about it on cooking programs, so thank you for clearing that up. And, we are enjoying your book so very much! Thank you for being such a blessing to us all!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's so kind of you to take the time to write in, Cheryl, and to tell me what you think of my book "Visions". Thank you so much. Praying for you all.
DeleteGod bless.
Great analogy, Victor.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Thank you Lulu.
DeleteGod bless.
Actually God always exceeds expectations. If not, you probably weren't expecting the right thing.
ReplyDeleteVictor, I wanted you and your readers to know that EWTN, the Catholic TV station, is putting on a special Sunday night on St. Catherine of Siena, who I consider my patron saint. If you live outside the US, you may have to look on line for the time schedule, but otherwise people can read about it on my blog here:
http://ashesfromburntroses.blogspot.com/2016/04/st-catherine-of-siena-on-tv.html
You're so right, Manny. He does exceed expectations. Thank you for the St Catherine link.
DeleteGod bless.
Love this lesson, Victor. Great perspective, especially given all the negative news around us.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless you.
Thank you so much, Michael.
DeleteGod bless you and yours too.
Thank you Victor for your happy "lesson" today. God serves us up what we need at the time we need it. We don't always agree. We are comfortable with plain vanilla ice cream and miss out on new tastes...
ReplyDeletegramswisewords.blogspot.com
That's right, Marian. We miss out because perhaps we're asking for the wrong thing.
DeleteGod bless you.
Hi Victor! I love finding new insights in the 'everyday' and you certainly found a delicious one. I never would have ordered that waffle thing either, but how open minded of you not to send it back! You found something lovely in the middle of an ordinary day.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the book suggestion too. It must be good if you've read it so many times!
Blessings,
Ceil
Great to see you visiting again, Ceil. Yes it was a good day, and a good book to. The principle of Prison to Praise is that we should Praise God whatever happens in our lives; because He is still in control and will see to it that it turns out for the good. Well worth a read.
DeleteGod bless.