The day’s mail included an invitation to a baby shower and a coupon for Buy Buy Baby, the store where the mother-to-be had registered.

Perfect, I thought, and went online to order a gift. When I couldn’t apply the coupon to the order, I called the help line and an operator talked me through the process.

Two weeks went by, and I wondered why I hadn’t received the gift. I called the company and was asked to provide the order number.

“I don’t have one,” I said. “Maybe I deleted the email.”

After providing my name, email address and phone number, I was told the last record they had of me is when I called on March 14 because I had trouble using a coupon. (I one day hope to be remembered for something much more meaningful than my inability to save money.)

“That’s fine,” I said. “I’ll search my credit card charges to see when the payment was processed.”

Undoubtedly, my calls are the ones recorded and used for training purposes. I  accessed my credit card account and discovered no payments to that store. I never ordered the gift. I thought about it, spoke about it, filled out the delivery and credit card information, but never made the purchase. My idea to give a gift from Buy Buy Baby went bye bye.

I don’t want that frustrating experience repeated, especially with weightier matters like when a need arises, worry clouds my mind or I’m in search of directions.

It’s not wrong to give thought to a situation, talk it over with someone or identify what is needed.

However, the process if not completed for me until I pray. Only then can I expect to receive God’s answer.

Ronny Michel may be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.