Today at work I called a list of approximately 35 hotels and motels in the surrounding Monticello, Minnesota area.
The problem?
I had a family that had no where to turn.
No where to tuck their three kids into bed tonight.
All county and social service agencies are either at or over
the capacity to take a family in the last minute.
I became desperate with no other available resources,
I turned to the hotels them self.
As the many phones rang, I repeated the same
prayer over-and-over again.
"Please God, someone answer my prayer.
This family needs your help."
After requesting to speak to the manager on duty I asked that the hotel donate one free night stay to a family that I work with that is currently homeless. I was turned away 34 times. Common answers of,
"...No, we don't offer that here...
...We don't have availability to meet your request....
...I cannot make those decisions...
...That needs to be requested through our headquarters....
...Try the county resources..."
It became discouraging,
however one small motel in Saint Cloud has answered my prayers.
Lucky #35.
To that motel, I am forever grateful.
A family is sleeping with their children,
safely, all together for at least one more night.
I write about this story for one single reason...
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We all need to stop and be thankful for what we have.
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Here is the start to my list...
A small-cramped-old-bed is much more
comfortable than a passenger car seat.
Having too much homework is better
than not being able to afford an education.
A job that can be stressful is better than no job at all.
Two crazy dogs are more fulfilling than having nobody to love.
Chicken flavored Ramen Noodles is better than an empty belly.
A small cramped house is safer than a tent on a campground.
Not being able to decide what to wear in the morning means
you actually have choices of what to wear.
Dirty dishes piling in the sink means filled tummies.
E-mail pile-ups and those phone messages I have yet to return
mean that I have people who care about me...
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My list could continue for pages.
What is your list?
2 comments:
This post is super AWESOME! The hotel answered your prayers, and YOU answered the families prayers! Your list gave me the chills and made me tear-up!
How very true. I think about these things and thank God for them daily. I'm thankful that God came through just in time. He is never early but He won't be late. My prayer is that this family will be guided to do what they need and that God will continue to make a straight path for them.
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