Over the past couple of weeks Dan and I have been stressing out about not yet having found an 8th grade teacher for our parish’s religious education program (Dan is DRE).

We considered combining the 7th and 8th grade classes but rejected that idea as impractical. We wrung our hands and lamented the fact that “people just aren’t willing to volunteer anymore.” We whined and complained about parents who want their children in the program but are unwilling to help make it possible. We worried. We moaned. We griped.

But did we pray about it?… Um, no. At least I didn’t. I was too busy complaining about the problem to even ask God to help us solve it.

Nonetheless, God sent us Denise. This bright, energetic mother of four walked into the parish office yesterday to introduce herself (she is a new parishioner) and to inquire: Did we need a CCD teacher? She enjoys working with teens, she explained, and was hoping to find a volunteer position.

Thank you God, for your goodness and generosity in meeting the needs we forget to bring to you and answering even those prayers we neglect to say.