“Mom, can you and Dad go to our house and let Olive outside? We’ll be home later.” Our son Mike had called to ask if we could take care of their Boston Terrier dog named Olive. Mike, Christine, Rowan, and Eden were away and wouldn’t be home until later that evening.
Agreeing to ride to their home and make sure Olive had fresh water, food, and the chance to play outside in the backyard for a bit, Alan and I chose a time to make the drive.
As the bright sun of day began turning to dusk, I gathered my key ring that has more keys on it than I could ever use.
“Mimi, are you sure we have a key for their house?” Alan inquired.
“Sure, it’s bound to be somewhere in this pile of keys.” I answered with confidence.
“Which one is the key we need?” Alan didn’t share my confidence.
“Well, we’ve taken care of Olive before, so I know we have a key.”
Alan laughed. “Are you sure it’s not one of the keys that we keep in a plastic bag in the basket on the kitchen counter?”
The basket Alan was referring to is filled with business cards, stamps, coupons, address labels, small mementos, and other things, including plastic bags with keys.
At Alan’s suggestion, I decided to look inside the full basket.
What do you think I found?
Yes, a plastic sandwich bag with the key we needed. Alan was right.
In my hurry to complete the task of taking care of Olive dog, I thought I had the needed item. I was overconfident. I didn’t pause to make sure the correct key was on the key ring.
This reminds me of how there are times when we need to be confident and other times, we need to ask for help. Seeking guidance from the Father is always the best way to handle any situation.
God hears our prayers. Whether we are asking to find lost keys,(or keys we didn’t know were lost) or praying to the Father with big requests, there is comfort in knowing He is listening.
Alan and I were able to visit with Olive doggy and sit with her in the backyard. She constantly looked at the garage door and at the gate. Olive missed her family, but they would be home soon.
As for all the keys on my keyring, I’m still perplexed as to why I have so many keys. I only use a few of them. I’m thankful for God’s reminder to be patient and ask for His help, even with finding keys.
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
So glad you went prepared with the right key! Alan saved the day for Olive. Good reminder to also listen to the Holy Spirit when He nudges us. 😊
Yes, we need to listen when the Holy Spirit nudges us. 🙂 Have a blessed day!
It does seem that keys reproduce, but you can’t always find the one you need. Your story is another example of how two are better than one. God bless!
I agree. Two are better than one. 🙂 Have a blessed day!
God certainly holds the key to all of our needs, doesn’t He? I have a feeling you’ll be purging some of those keys. 🙂
Amen. God holds the key to all our needs. Yes, I need to purge some of those keys. 🙂 Have a blessed day!
This is so sweet. You are very organized. I have keys here and there and no idea what they go to.
Haha! Seems a lot of people have mystery keys. Have a blessed day dear Carol! 🙂
I know your story is about trusting and depending upon God, but I especially enjoyed reading about Olive, the dog. I love dogs and dog stories. I know she was thrilled when her family returned home, but having Grandma and Grandpa come to visit was second best.
Thank you June. Yes, Olive is a sweet dog. Have a blessed week! 🙂
Oh, how often have I gone off without the right keys. Whether they’re literal keys (gates, barns, equipment, tractor, etc.) or the keys to life, I head off thinking I’m prepared for what’s ahead, only to learn I’ve derailed myself by not properly preparing. Isn’t it funny how we teach “The Seven Ps” all of our adult lives, but we don’t seem to always practice it ourselves? Loved your post Ms. Mimi. Thank you ma’am, and God’s blessings. Have fallen in love with little “Olive” too.
Thank you JD. I love how God uses the little things like keys to teach us lessons. Yes, Olive dog is a sweetheart. Have a blessed week dear friend! 🙂
That’s so good that God prompted your husband to ask about the key. I’ve done that–taken off for somewhere and then found I didn’t have something I needed. A while back I took all the keys off my key ring except the bare minimum. I have a couple on there now that I am not sure what they belong to. 😀 I think one of for my son’s former house and one goes to our former church. They look almost alike. Keeping old keys in a plastic bag is a great idea. I toss ours in a desk drawer.
Thank you Barbara. I am still wondering about some of those keys. But, I am reluctant to throw any of them away. haha! Have a blessed week! 🙂
To be unable to find a key is frustrating. I lose mine at least once a month. I also have too many on my keyring, weighing my purse down. I know Olive is a cutie. We had a Boston Terrier years ago. Thoughtful reminder, Melissa! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Gail. Yes, frustrating not to be able to find a key. God uses the little things like keys to teach us lessons. 🙂 Have a blessed week!
Oh those “treasure” baskets of unknown keys and other stuff! I think the majority of us have one in our homes. This reminds me, too, to make sure I bring the right “key” with me always. And that key is God’s grace!
Amen. God’s grace is the key. Love that! Have a blessed week! 🙂
Glad you stopped to check for the key. I confess that all too often I hear the little “nudge” but rush off anyway!
Yes, we must be alert and ready for those nudges from God. 🙂 Have a blessed week Ava!
What a cute puppy. Glad you were able to help out.
A few years ago, my husband made me clean up my key ring because I had so many on there and had no idea what they opened. It certainly made my life simpler
Good idea to clean up the keyring. Only trouble is I might need one of those keys at some point. Probably not. hahahahaha! Have a blessed day! 🙂
Your bags of keys are very endearing, dear friend. I am a fellow keeper of small items that belong in their own plastic bags — pinecones, acorns, dried tiny roses, pretty rocks, etc. I love this takeaway: “This reminds me of how there are times when we need to be confident and other times, we need to ask for help.”
Thank you Melinda. Yes, I often need the reminder to ask for help. His help. Have a blessed day! 🙂
I love how God uses little things to teach such big lessons. And Olive is ADORABLE! Glad you found the right key. 🙂
Thank you Jessica. Olive is a sweet doggy. Yes, I love how God can use even the little things to teach big lessons. Have a blessed day! 🙂
I really enjoyed this post, Melissa. A good reminder for this girl who is sometime overly confident! Thank you.
Thank you so much. Have a blessed weekend! 🙂
When you identify all your mystery keys, maybe you can help me with mine. Thank you for the application reminder.
I am looking at my key chain today and trying to decide which ones to remove. haha! Looks like a lot of people have the same issue. Have a blessed week! 🙂
Melissa, I tend to run off half-cocked. Larry will grab my elbow and ask where I’m headed. Sometimes in the wrong direction. I’ve been known to call him from the road asking for directions.
Sounds like a story from the Henderson house. haha! Have a blessed week! 🙂