I had spent the day in meetings at the conference office in Madison, WI and was excited about the prospect of seeing my family before supper; an unusual occurrence in my house. I pointed my car towards home, turned on the radio, and settled in for the two hour trip.

     About 30 minutes down the road I remembered that I was almost out of gas and needed to fill up. I like to push the limits of my gas tank, so I decided I could drive another 30 minutes before I needed to fill up. Fifteen minutes later the orange light finally persuaded me to pull off the road at the next gas station.

     As I got out of the car, preparing to insert the gas nozzle into the fuel tank, I reached for my wallet. You know that sinking feeling that comes over you when your wallet isn't where you expect it to be? Instinctively, I reached for my other pocket, even though I never keep my wallet there. Then out of desperation I searched every pocket I had. No wallet.

     As my mind went into overdrive, I mentally rewound my day and realized that I had left the house without my wallet. Then I remembered - instead of placing my wallet on the desk in its usual location, I had placed it on the dresser in the bedroom.

     I had no cash, no credit card, no debit card. I didn't even have any change because I had just cleaned the car. I was almost out of options. With a sinking feeling, I called Laurella and explained my situation. Being the ever gracious wife that she is, she came and rescued me (my hero).

     I felt very lost without my wallet. I couldn't make purchases or generally function without it. I had left my financial lifeline at home. As I realized how much I valued my wallet and how vital it was to have with me every day, I began to contemplate priorities. The next thought I had was how thankful I am that we can't leave God at home. He is always with us. The Bible tells us in Isaiah 65:24 "...before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear."

God is always with us. He is only a prayer away.