The Unexpected

I'm used to getting answers from my parents. When I used to ask them to borrow the car, the answer would be "is your room clean?" When I'd ask who'd pay for gas, there'd be a reminder that I too had a job. ...the point is, when I asked a question, there would be an answer. I didn't just ask a question then walk away because the answer was slow in coming. I'd wait. I know my parents well enough to know that as long as they hear the question, there will be an answer...unless the question is shouted from the other floor of the house. Then there is be a pause long enough for me to understand that I need to go to where they were before the answer would come. 

Why does it seem so easy to expect answers from my parents, but then when I ask questions from God it usually takes intentionallity and self reminders to wait in expectation for an answer? How is it that I can ask a question of God, then, without even pausing, my brain is already on to something else, having forgotten for the moment the conversation it had started. How can I accuse God of not speaking to me when I don't stick around to listen? If somebody asked me an earnest question, then started talking about this, that, or the other thing without giving me time to answer, I just wouldn't answer. I would keep quiet until they took time to listen. 

...for the past couple of weeks I've been praying for a musical outlet; more specifically, a place where I can play piano or tinker around on a guitar free of charge. In the beginning I'd asked around a bit, but no one at work seemed to know of any place. In spite of that, God happened to know how to get these things. Though  I tried to expect Him to answer, I know sometimes what I ask for isn't what's best for me, so I also tried to be realistic. 

First came the guitar. One of my roommates pulled out her guitar for a bit, and she must have noticed me looking at it, because she quickly offered that whenever I wanted I could use it.  Then, after music practice on Thursday, the leader mentioned that I should take the keyboard home with me in between practices...

That just goes to show that if we "know how to give good gifts [and answers] to our children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" (Matt 7:11)