Blind Faith

Blind Faith

When I was fourteen years old, I had the opportunity to take care of my neighbor’s pet ducks while they were away in Alaska visiting family. They weren’t my immediate neighbors; they lived just 4 or 5 houses up the street from us, but since they were good family friends they were considered neighbors. I grew up in a Wyoming town called Evanston. Evanston sits at 6,800 feet above sea level, which makes for some harsh winter storms and weather.

For my age, I was very consistent and diligent in my new job. Without fail I was over to the house each and every day at the same time until Saturday came around. After a long week at school, I wanted to spend the day doing things for myself. Playing all day and not paying heed to my Dad’s warning to go take care of the ducks before dark fell, brewed the perfect storm for hardship. It became dark and, sure enough, a cold winter storm rolled in over the mountains. As I saw the snow fall, and it got later in the night, I somehow mustered up motivation and headed outside to take care of the ducks several hours after I should have. The wind must have been blowing over 30 mph. I remember looking back at my tracks in the snow and seeing them fill up with new snow almost immediately.

Once I got to the house I ran the routine checkups and finished changing the water and food for the ducks. I reached into my pocket after I was all done, looking for the house keys to lock up and go home for the day. To my dismay my pocket was empty! In a panic I started to retrace my steps, which worked until my steps lead me back outside where all my traces were covered up and nonexistent with the fresh snow. After all my efforts, I was led back to the garage next to the ducks. After one last look around for the keys, I sank to my knees in unbelief. Thoughts started to race through my mind like; “They will come home from Alaska and not be able to get inside because I lost their house keys.” I could see my Dad looking at me when I got home with a disappointed “I told you so” look. Humbled by my inability to change the circumstances I began to REMEMBER all those family home evenings and Sunday school lessons growing up, the recollection of which lead me to prayer in the garage. Surrounded by ducks, my heart cried out to the Lord for help. I knew that He knew where the keys were.

Immediately following the prayer I got up off my knees as if someone else was walking for me. My legs took me outside around the side of the house towards the side fence gate then all of the sudden my new legs stopped. I can still remember something telling me to look down and reach into the fresh snow. I had no reason to not reach into the snow, so with blind faith my hand plunged through the cold snow. As I pulled my hand out, the house keys were in hand!

At that moment I felt as though heaven and earth were the same place. I knew that my prayer was heard; my words made it to our Father’s ears. He loved me so much that he cared to take the time to help me, even considering all the other problems in world. This experience has stuck with me my whole life and served as a building block. I know God hears and answers prayers.  Never forget that he hears us no matter how insignificant the prayer.