Pizza and Prayers

What's great about God is that he is faithful even when I'm not. I've spent the past weeks (maybe even months) whining about how nothing ever changes. I started this year feeling so discouraged, so devoid of hope, so stuck. Charlotte and Beth were also discouraged. 2007 had a crummy start.

But within a course of the week, everything changed. For all of us.

On Tuesday night I had dinner with Jonelle, as I usually do on Tuesday nights. We usually talk about her relationship with Tim (aka Honey), and lately that discussion has centered around their hope to get engaged soon. Jonelle said to me, "I really hope that Tim calls my dad tonight." So as we said grace before our meal, I thanked God for her friendship, hospitality and food and added, "And please have Tim call Mike tonight. Amen."

Meanwhile, Charlotte, Beth and I all have been praying for jobs. I needed wisdom as to whether to take Elaine's; Charlotte interviewed for a new, better position at the bank; and Beth is getting ready to graduate and needs some positions to open up that she can apply for here.

Last night, the four of us gathered at California Pizza Kitchen for dinner. We always have dinner together on Fridays. Beth and I got there first, and we talked some about my job situation. I haven't told the bosses yet, but I've pretty much decided to take Elaine's job. How can I pray for change on January 1st, have this drop in my lap, and not take it?

Then Charlotte and Jonelle arrived, and within minutes Charlotte announced that she got her job! We were so excited, especially since it had taken longer to find out about it than normal and we were concerned it wasn't going to be a go. So we were all just giddy with excitement. "Great things come in threes, Beth," we said. I'm sure that her dream job is just around the corner!

Then we segued into the usual chit-chat. At this point we'd been at the restaurant a good 15-20 minutes. I told Jonelle that we're having an Oscar party at her house on Sunday night- hope you don't mind! She told me that Tim would be there, and I said, "Great! I haven't actually seen him since you got back together (since the summer)! I need to see you two together. I need some... validity." Then, casual as all get out, Jonelle put her left hand on my arm and slyly said, "How's this for validity?"

There was a ring there, and I about pushed her out of the booth for taking 20 whole minutes to tell us. We all started screaming with excitement. We were probably so obnoxious to our neighboring booths. We celebrated the rest of the night with great conversation and chocolate cake. What a joyful, hopeful night!

And guess when Tim called Jonelle's dad? Yep, Tuesday night.