I was ready, my alarm was set, and I was eager to join the prayer gathering online. But when a time zone mix-up and a technical glitch left me staring at a blank screen, I felt a strange sense of calm instead of frustration.
The Morning "Shebang" and a 1:00 PM Invite
I check my email first thing in the morning, but after I have offered the day to God, asking for His mercy ahead of time for anything I would say, do or think that isn’t pleasing to Him.
And also after asking Him to bless my family, loved ones near and far, friends and relatives on both sides. And then, I’d reached for my phone to see if I had any texts, missed calls, perhaps voice mails or messages on the messenger app, even to check the news and the stock market—
The whole shebang, that is.
So, as I scrolled down, there it was, this invite from the Women of Grace to pray the rosary with them. I have prayed with this group of admirable women of faith, not every week, but certainly a number of times already.
Their invitation was set for 1:00 PM today. I was happy to see that prayer invite. It makes me feel good each time I get one from them. I like praying with them.
The 1:00 PM Glitch: When Logic Fails
1:00 PM came, but I couldn't connect. At first, I thought I ran into some connection issues.
Either the Zoom phone app or my wi-fi connection failed, but I was leaning on a connection failure. We have been getting connection issues lately. Although I recall at least one incident where the Zoom app didn’t work.
I didn't close the Zoom app, hoping I could still get in. And then I realized I forgot that the mentioned 1:00 PM was Central Time, not Pacific. I was late. Very late! Yikes.
To make the story short, I didn't get the chance to join in the rosary praying. To my surprise though, I wasn't that disappointed considering what happened, and I was at fault.
I was calm like I was okay with it knowing I wanted to pray with the group today. So missing it and without the guilt or disappointment—to be honest, it surprised me. Totally not a typical reaction from me.
I moved on. I brushed off the thought and continued with the stuff I was working on before the alarm went off at 1:00 PM because I could still pray the rosary by myself.
An Unexpected Peace
Hours later, another email came. It was from the Magnificat SOTI with the invitation to the rosary prayer with them—at 7:00 PM tonight. Wow!
I smiled because then I understood why I need not be upset one bit though I looked forward to being in the company of the Women of Grace, primarily because there was another opportunity for it later in the day with another group hours after the fact. Cool, huh?
I have prayed with the Magnificat SOTI many times now also and I like their company just as much. In fact, in a recent Zoom prayer gathering with them, I learned about this song by Phil Wickam entitled, “Battle Belongs.”
It has become one of my favorite Gospel songs that I would play on a loop in the car, especially on long drives. I thank God for this group for introducing this song during the prayer gathering.
I encourage you to look it up. I am 100% positive that it will become one of your favorites, too. Just like how it climbed to the top of the charts a few ago, the same can be said with your playlist—you will find yourself playing and playing it over and over.
Surprise at 7:00 PM: The Battle Belongs
So anyway, again, I have to say that God came with a backup plan like He always does. If it is going to bring Him greater glory, we can count on the fact that nothing gets in His way.
God has the final say.
Thank you for reading! If the stories here speak to your heart, I’d love to connect with you on Facebook.
Many blessings, Emilie
A Note from my Heart
I’m Emilie, a seeker of faith who finds God in the quiet pews and the divine surprises of everyday life. I write these reflections to invite you into a slower, more soulful way of seeing the world.