We had planned it so I would scoop her up, take her to Rockford (where we would visit her grandparents and go to a banquet where I was to receive a scholarship for classes this summer) and then spend the night at her dorm room in Chicago.
All went so well, the grandparents were so glad to see us and the banquet went well into the night.
The next morning, we went to Harvest Bible Chapel in Chicago for Sunday morning service and I was hit with a wave of conviction by listening to James MacDonald preaching on multiplying money faithfully.
The Lord has had it on my heart to stick with a budget and move money faithfully inside of those borders. Unfortunately, though, I have not done such a good job (using money purposed for rent, for spending instead).
This sermon woke me up to realize that the Lord is a harsh, demanding master (Luke 19:11-27) as much as He is a loving God.
All together, I learned that The Lord expects a return on his investment (Matt. 25:14-23) in every area of my life. Family return, financial return, fruit return (fruits of the Spirit that is!), and faithfulness return (to be diligent and persevere).
This is a high standard that the Lord has for those who love and follow Him, and even though their salvation does not depend on what we do, He does call those who follow Him, to work.
It's hard, it's real, but He has and will give all the help needed, because the type of return He demands, can't be done without Him! ... which forces each of His followers back to depend on Him, who is All-Powerful and able to do beyond what anyone can ask or think.