Fear and desperation are two words that accurately described my state of mind as the deadline for renewing my military ID card drew near.
I am a retiree and the panic can be attributed to my experience the last time I had to renew. It was during COVID and military facilities were either closed, short staffed or already booked beyond my expiration date. The critical factor in this matter is that immediately upon expiration, all medical care availability is denied. It required extra measures last time to renew my card!
I did not anticipate any such difficulty this time. But -- before the allowed time, I began calling to make sure of exactly what present day process was in place. First attempts were met with no one answering and leaving messages that no one responded to. Finally, I spoke to
a man who had nothing to do with Pass/ID, but who affirmed that there was no really good way to contact a person working in that capacity. He also told me the local Army Guard unit in the Houston area no longer did ID cards. The only other place I could try, he said, would be Ellington Field. However, they were booked until well after my expiration date!
My next search was online to see what my options were. Trying to decipher the maze of organizational units, military acronyms and computer technicalities, I seemed no more informed than when starting my search. The clock was ticking!
And my anxiety was escalating! This critical problem became consuming! I could feel it in my body, a tenseness that persisted. Even working toward a solution did not relieve my overwhelming concern. Oh, yes, I was talking with God about the issue. But there seemed to be no answers forthcoming.
Finally, I took a deep breath, sat down -- and with a new focus spoke with God. I confessed that, though I had been in consultation with Him, I had not given Him, in His time, the chance to offer His wisdom. I apologized for not demonstrating my confessed TRUST in Him … for not allowing Him to carry the burden, for not fully relying on Him. I gave it all over to God and said “Amen.” I really meant it – no holding anything back. A beautiful, quiet, calming peace replaced the stress that had gripped me.
I resolved to drive the couple of hours to Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. I knew that you should make an appointment, but walk-ins were allowed, time permitting. My rational was that likely I would not get seen that day but, in person, I could make an appointment – hopefully before my expiration date. I was willing to make a second trip if a secure appointment was on the schedule.
I drove to San Antonio, showed my about-to-expire ID at the base gate and asked the guard for directions to Pass/ID. I was getting close to my destination when the streets did not exactly line up with the directions, but I knew I was close. When coming upon a building that looked recognizable, I saw an officer walking out into the parking lot. I rolled down my window and asked him if I was in the right place. He said … Yes! Just the day before he had actually gotten his new ID. I thanked him and parked. Now the “moment of truth” had arrived. I fully anticipated a line, full chairs and having to wait just to inquire about the likelihood of either being seen or making an appointment.
I entered the building … and to my shock ... the room was empty, except for one seated woman. I could have been taken to my knees ... I saw God in the room – like all alone -- waiting for ME. I felt like He was saying, “I wanted you to know I heard you and prepared the way for you.” There was no other reason the room was that empty. Being the noon hour, it should have been packed with folks there during their lunch break for the same reason as myself.
I now have my new ID, the date on it is INDEFINITE, and it has the best photo that I have had since my first ID at ten years old. I have long shared with others how often God has been there for the smallest of things! This was actually also a small thing – I just made it big. It was, however, a BIG reminder to me of His truth about always being near, always hearing and answering prayers and how great His love truly is. Thank you, God, for your faithfulness!
Call to me and I will answer you …
Jeremiah 33:3
