Oh my gosh! No! My heart pounded as I stood in the hallway outside my room in my pjs and barefeet. No phone, no key, nothing…  except my hot cup of cacao. 

Now what, God?

It was 5:15 a.m. and most of the retreatants were still sleeping! 

UGGH. But wait! I remembered passing a woman sitting in the lobby doing her quiet time. Maybe she will still be there.

Searching for help, I made my way back down the 5 flights of stairs in my pjs, barefooted, with my cup of hot cacao. There she was.

“Excuse me, I have locked myself out of my room. Would you be so kind to text housekeeping and ask them to come and unlock my room?”

She readily texted for help as I quickly headed back up the 5 flights of stairs to wait by my room.

As I leaned up against the door, I noticed a windowsill with an invitation to come and sit for a while. Perching with a different perspective, this view was heart-stopping. My eyes fell upon the mighty mountain range with dark, dancing clouds, daring me to join them. Thoughts poured in like the rain pounding the window. 

Oh my gosh… Holy Spirit… You told me, “Get your key,” and I just brushed by you with my wisdom: “I propped it open… it will be fine. I will be right back.” Why don’t I just listen to your quiet prompts of whispers?

I looked up to the mountains and thought, Where does my Help come from? My help comes from You, Lord, maker of Heaven and Earth. And goodness do I need your Help! 

My soul relaxed as my breathing settled into the grace that was being offered. Since arriving at the retreat a few days before, I had struggled to calm my thoughts while having so much to navigate. With all the distractions locked away in my room, I was being held in this tiny nook, being gifted with quiet time.

Much time passed before I realized no one had come yet. The conference would be starting soon. Thankfully, a neighbor came out of her room, and the response she received said I could come to the lobby and they would make me another key. She looked at me in my pjs and barefeet, with the rain pounding on the window, and replied why that wouldn’t work. 

Their response was, “We will send the safety team as soon as possible.” 

“The Safety Team.” God is sending His Safety Team! I smiled, knowing Help was on the way. 

It wasn’t much longer before I was back in my room. 

Matthew 7:7 tells us, “Ask and it shall be given unto you. Seek and Ye shall find. Knock and the door will be opened.”

God had certainly heard my asking and knocking and found a way to open my door. 

May we all have the grace to lean in and listen a little closer to that whisper that falls upon us to help guide and direct us in all the ways.