This is why Levi's middle name is Anthony:
St. Anthony is the patron saint of lost articles (also of the poor and travelers) and this is why I am so endeared to him. Countless times I have asked him to intercede on my behalf by uttering the simple rhyme, "St. Anthony! St. Anthony! Please come around! {My mind} is lost and cannot be found!"
He has come to my rescue so many times. Very often within seconds of asking for his help I've remembered where the lost item might be. Most recently the item that had been lost was Clarey's baby ring, on a gold chain, given to her by her Grandma Huck at her baptism.
It all started at Garrett and Anna's wedding three weeks ago. I took along the necklace for Clarey to wear. It was pure craziness getting everyone ready. I was afraid I'd lose it, so I stuck it in my really cute red clutch, where I thought it was safe and sound. That evening as we were getting ready to go into the reception, Clayton was messing with my purse. Knowing the necklace was in there, I immediately told him to stop and took it back. When I looked inside there was no necklace. I frantically started looking for it. I searched most of the evening - calling the church and leaving a message, telling the front desk and hospitality staff at the hotel, too. I didn't tell Kathy. I just couldn't bring myself to tell her it was lost. And I was asking St. Anthony for help, so I didn't give up hope.
Once home from the wedding I called the church office again and asked the secretary to please go look for it. I called the driver of the bus we had ridden in from the wedding to reception. I called the hotel. No one could find it. Over the course of the next three weeks I would call the hotel 2 more times and the church once. I've been sick to my stomach - so upset.
This morning when I woke up, I was once again thinking about the lost ring. Levi was in bed with me so I silently prayed, "St. Anthony, please help me find this ring. I know through your intercession it can be done. I'm holding my child named in your honor. Please, if it will glorify God, help me find this ring."
This afternoon around 5:00 I got a text from my mom, "I can't believe it! I found Clarey's ring!" She decided to clean out her purse this afternoon and found it in the very bottom. I don't even remember her having that particular purse at Garrett's wedding.
St. Anthony devoted his life to proclaiming God's word. He even preached to the fishes in the sea telling of God's glories. If we truly believe, if we truly trust - God will perform miracles in our lives.
I know in the scheme of life this is something small. I also know that this is a material thing. But it is important to me. For three weeks I've looked for it. For three weeks I've said, "Come on, St. Anthony, help me out here." Once I earnestly prayed and earnestly believed, God answered my prayer. With the help of St. Anthony, God used this small trinket to lead me back to Him. It reminded me of His power. And because of it, I'm telling of God's glories.
