They Were Always in My Pocket

I returned from my trip to Israel and Palestine on Tuesday evening and I was quickly thrown back into reality as I got ready for work on Wednesday morning. My body and mind were sluggish as I trudged through my morning routine in a jet-lagged fog. Eventually, I gathered my things and headed out the door. Living on a college campus means that my commute to work begins by taking the elevator down four floors, walking through two sets of doors and a common room, down a walkway, up a few stairs, through a bike storage area, around a corner, up Library Walk, down many stairs, and across the street to my car. About halfway through this walk I panicked: Where are my keys?! I quickly felt my outer coat pockets with no success. I retraced my meandering steps back to my door. I googled “locked out at Georgetown” for guidance. I frequently forgot my keys when I was an undergrad, so I figured there must be a protocol here as well. I woke up the poor RA on call who quickly came to my assistance, only to find that Residential Ministry apartment keys are different and she didn’t have the master key. She called campus police who came shortly, but they also didn’t have the master key. After a trip back to HQ and locating the right key (after trying four dozen) my door was open. I surveyed the places I put my keys and, finding no keys, I felt my inner jacket pocket.

I had my keys with me the whole time.

My Wednesday morning observation was profound in its simplicity: We often have everything we need no matter what we fear we lack.

I felt bad that I inconvenienced the RA and police officer, but for the most part I let the mishap roll off. This Lent I’ve found myself praying a simple prayer on repeat: God, interrupt me. I have a feeling that this interruption was an answered prayer. It was a reminder to slow down and take stock before I jump into the deep end of fear and scarcity. I often have exactly what I need, and even when I don’t I know to ask for help. What a joyful reminder!

Text copyright © 2023 Grace Woodward. All rights reserved.