One ordinary Sunday, I sat in church praying for help. Yet again, my two toddlers were sick and not getting better. Feeling like a zombie, getting little sleep, and running on empty, I sat in the back pew. I felt a little uncomfortable and out of place since I rarely went to church. I prayed for God to help me … “Please help my kids get better. Tell me why they are not getting better…”

Suddenly, I let out an audible “GASP!”  I ran to the back of the church and quickly called my husband. “We gave our son the wrong drops!” 

I went on to tell him that the eye drops given to our son for pink eye were actually the ear drops meant for our daughter with an ear infection. And, of course, she was also given the wrong drops. No Mother of the Year award here!

I was lucky enough to be a stay-at-home mom until our kids were in elementary school. The kids were amazing, and I loved my job, but boy, was it hard! Both kids had multiple food intolerances and were sick quite often. This time, I knew why they were sick, and it taught me a lesson that I didn’t even realize was missing: I needed a relationship with God and fellowship with Christians.  

Both my husband and I grew up in a church, but felt detached. I didn’t really understand what it was like to have conscious contact with God. But I knew I wanted more. I found a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group that became my sisters in Christ. I saw God and faith in a totally different and amazing light. I found fellow believers who were always willing to pray for me. And, I found that I don’t need to go to church to have a connection with God. I can pray anytime, any place, and with anyone. What a gift!

Not everyone has the experience of God answering a prayer with immediate certainty and clarity as I did years ago when my children were sick toddlers. Not every prayer of mine has been answered in a way that I understand, but I know I am always heard. My heavenly father is willing to listen. I take comfort in knowing that no matter what happens in life, He will be there.