Two weeks ago, I went through a major clean up of my writing desk. I filed, created new folders, tossed an embarrassing amount of paperwork, two boxes worth to be exact, and came across bar of Cadbury royal dark chocolate. Treasure hunts are always high on my list, how about yours?
I also discovered the paperwork from Children's hospital when my daughter had been diagnosed with her blood clotting disorder four months ago. I put it in the folder marked with her name, where it would be easily accessed if and when needed.
It sat there for a few days. And then I had the niggling thought that I should program the number into my phone. Who knew when I might need it?
Turns out, that moment came much sooner than I'd have thought.
Friday evening, the kids went outside and I started to get dinner ready. I heard a cry. This didn't cause much concern, they usually squabble and my daughter often comes crying when her big brother won't let her do something. I went to the door and quickly realized this wasn't one of those times.
Blood covered my daughter's hand and streamed down her hand. I snatched paper towels, trying to wipe the blood clear to see where she'd gotten hurt. My stomach turned over when I found the reason.
She'd cut her pinky finger, the kind of cut that gapes and you can see more than just skin. My husband was out of town for the night. None of the neighbors were home. I pressed the cloth against her hand. Panic flooded me. I couldn't think of what to do next. Should I drive her to the ER myself? Did I need to call the ambulance? How much blood was too much for a three-year-old girl too lose?
With shaking fingers, I used the speed dial to call Children's Hospital. They walked me through emergency procedure for a Von Willebrand's patient and how to administer her medicine. They called ahead to the ER to alert them and give them instructions on her treatment.
On the 37 mile drive to the ER, I had a million thoughts and prayers fly through my mind. But this one stood out.
God knew I'd need that number a week ago. What we call coincidence, is God taking care of us without us realizing it. Tweet this
He started to prepare the way for me and my daughter weeks before time. He knew what I'd need before I did. I don't believe in coincidences, I believe in the Lord. The next time you think somethings a coincidence, I ask you to consider looking deeper, and I think you'll see His hand.
My daughter now sports stitches, wrapped gauze, and an understanding that not only do we not play with scissors, but that extends to pruning shears as well. She should heal fine, though we do have to watch in case her clot doesn't hold.
What incidences have you thought were coincidences, but now see as God's work? How has He prepared you for something?
Shelby
Melissa,
When I was teaching high school, I taught a sweet girl that also has Von Willebrand's. I, like most other people I'm sure, had never heard of the disease and it was quite shocking to hear how it affected her. I remember her coming into my honors biology class one afternoon after being in band and her hands were purple and blue just from her clapping during band. As a mother with a child with a chronic illness, I understand how difficult and stressful it can be sometimes. It's hard to watch them deal with it when you want to just put the burden on your shoulders and take it from them. Thankfully God was looking out for you when he put that number in front of you before her accident!
Ronnie navarro
God bless your faith.if I only knew what I know now my life would have turned out so much differently. There is no such thing as a coincidence in our lives..
JR
Hey Melissa,
Nice post. I stopped believing in coincidences in 2011. Before then, I was walking apart from God thinking that He didn't care about our daily lives. I was in a car accident which resulted in the double amputation of both my legs above the knees. I live on Guam and the local hospital is jokingly referred to as the "One Way Hospital" for reasons you can guess. My accident happened less than a mile from the Naval hospital where the ambulance will take emergency patients depending on which hospital they are closer to. It was a "coincidence" that there was a visiting naval surgeon from Okinawa who was there for only two weeks. It was also a "coincidence" that the surgeons who performed the amputations had served in Iraq and Afghanistan where they had dealt with those kinds of things on an almost daily basis. God definitely cares about us. Isn't it amazing how God can use any little thing to His advantage?
Melissa Norris
JR, what a testimony. Thank you for sharing. I'm always amazed at how God uses the hardest places to grow us the most. So glad you came closer to Him through your ordeal. Blessings to you and as you continue your journey.
Pam O
What a story, Melissa! Thanks for sharing it. "I don't believe in coincidences, I believe in the Lord." I liked that... me, too.
I pray she heals quickly.
Melissa Norris
Thank you for your prayers, Pam. And I'm happy to chat with a fellow believer. 🙂
Leslie
So thankful you heeded the prompting of the Lord to do that; I, too, do not believe in coincidence. About a year ago I needed to go by the bank and we have several branches in town for the credit union for which we do business. I started going toward one and the road was blocked for roadwork so I turned around to head another way which took me closer to a different branch I decided to stop by. When I told them what I needed (I was opening a FARM account :)), they told me it would be a 30 minute wait so I told them I'd try yet another branch. Upon arriving at the bank for my *third* try, I checked in and was soon called into the office of a lady I had met through a cancer ministry at our church. I had sent her cards weekly throughout her cancer and had met her soon after she beat cancer; however, we had lost contact with her and the lady over the ministry at the church and I were talking about her just the week prior. The lady at the bank gave me a big hug and said she had been thinking about me too. I knew the Lord kept redirecting me to that particular bank to do my business because He was putting me with her so we could catch up. She was so sweet and told me she felt like I was her angel. Ha ha. That really cracks me up because I am far from that BUT I left with joy in my heart knowing that while I had been a blessing to her through her trial, she had become a blessing to me too.
Melissa Norris
Leslie, what a beautiful story. To know we've touched another for Him is a blessing and a testament. I'm also loving the part about a farm account. 🙂
Vickie
Please give her hugs & kisses from her Auntie. God Bless!
Melissa Norris
Thanks, Vickie. I will. She's gotten lots of kisses, but that's a good thing. 🙂
Amanda Dykes
Oh, my, what a scare! I'm so glad she's ok, and so thankful for the way God prompted you to program the number into your phone, and the way you heeded that leading. He's so good!
Melissa Norris
Thanks, Amanda. It was honestly one of the scariest things I've ever went through. I made what's normally a 40 minutes drive in 26 minutes. His angels were on all four wheels. And yes, He is so good!! 🙂
Loree Huebner
Thanks for sharing that story. I'm so glad your daughter is fine. I do believe that God prompts us to do things like putting a number into our phone. I can't tell you how many times I've said, "You know, I had a feeling about that..." I listen to them now.
Loree Huebner
Thanks for sharing that story. I'm so glad your daughter is fine. I do believe that God prompts us to do things like putting a number in our phone. I can't tell you how many times I've said, "You know, I had a feeling about that..." I listen to them now.
Melissa Norris
Yes! Isn't it amazing how He does that? Glad we're both heeding them now. 🙂
Arica
Dear Melissa, I recently found your blog by shall I say coincidence. hehe..I have been reading many different posts that you have done, and I must say I am loving each and everyone. It is like having my own little mini devotion in the morning with my coffee. I praise Jesus that your daughter is okay. I praise Jesus for your calm in this mini storm He put before. Stay encouraged for you are an encouragement to me.
God Bless,
Arica
Melissa Norris
Arica,
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Love that a "coincidence" brought you here. He works in so many amazing and different ways. She's doing well, in fact, she's excited to go to pre-school today to show everyone her bandage. I hope we continue to encourage each other. 🙂