The Lesson from the B

The B led me to a blessing......

The B word really is not a bad word. 

BUDGETS are such a blessing even though sometimes they feel like a curse. 

When the July budget was completed, it was zeroed out. This means that we intended for our checking account to hit $0 by the end of the month. 

When a budget hits $0 there is a likelihood that things can get tight, especially if you fail to account for something along the way. 

And of course, I failed to account for something. I failed to consider the need to travel down to Daytona Beach and back, not once but twice, during the month. 😓

Although it is not a long ride from Jacksonville to Daytona Beach, any vehicle used for travel would not be able to complete the mission on fumes alone. The 92-mile drive needed fuel for the four trips. 

That's when it happened. 

I stopped for gas and before I even made it to an open pump, the yellow signage immediately caught my attention.

Yes, that is E85. According to Wikipedia, it is an ethanol blend of 85% ethanol fuel and 15% gasoline or other hydrocarbon by volume. This flex fuel is not designed for use in every vehicle. Instead, it is designed for specific vehicles, such as our minivan.

In this same way, it is important to remember that we too were created for a specific purpose. Psalm 4:3 says, "Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him." 

Sometimes things that are created for a specific purpose are set apart. These things may not always fit in. They may look different. They may even stand out. But there IS a purpose.

Sometimes things that are created for a specific purpose cannot be identified by everyone. That's because those things are not meant for everyone. However, know that the set apart people and things will be clearly identified by those whom they are meant for. 

Sometimes things that are created for a specific purpose have an even greater value. We sometimes diminish our own self worth when we don't understand it. Those things that are set apart will stand out at just the right time and will offer more value than ever expected. 

I have been to this gas station in the past and did not notice the E85. But when I needed it the most, the thing that was set apart caught my attention and added so much value. 

Being set apart is a gift. Accept it! Embrace it! Unwrap it!