Early in the height of summer, I slipped outside before the sun made weeding unbearable. My husband waved goodbye as he headed off to work, sliding the door shut behind him to keep the flies out. Dressed in my usual shabby‑shriek gardening clothes and topped with a red bucket hat, I happily pottered about for an hour or so before deciding it was time for water and a clean‑up.

I headed to the door—only to discover it wouldn’t budge.

He’d locked it. Automatically. Out of habit. And I was very much outside.

I checked every door and window, hoping for a miracle. Nothing. I looked for my phone, only to remember it was sitting inside on the dining room table. Wonderful. What now? Break-in? Trudge three kilometres to a friend’s house in my gardening get‑up? Panic began to rise.

Then I remembered: the hidden spare keys.

I tore off to the spot where they’d been tucked away years ago, half‑hoping, half‑dreading what I’d find. And there they were—still waiting.

The relief was instant and overwhelming. I had a way back inside, back to cleanliness, comfort, and blessed chilled water.

The Spiritual Side of Spare Keys

As I stood inside again, grateful for shade and safety, I couldn’t help thinking about how often life feels like that locked door. We find ourselves stuck, stranded, or shut out of the comfort we expected. We panic. We imagine worst‑case scenarios. We forget what we already have.

And yet, God has tucked ‘spare keys’ into our lives—truths, promises, people, and practical helps that He placed there long before we needed them.

Sometimes they’ve been sitting there for years.

Sometimes we’ve forgotten they exist.

Sometimes we only find them when we’re desperate enough to look.

But they’re there. Waiting. Faithful.

Just like my hidden keys.

A Thought for Ministry Leaders and Volunteers

Children’s ministry can feel like this too. A locked door moment. A missing volunteer. A last‑minute curveball. A lesson that suddenly needs reshaping. A child who needs more than you feel equipped to give.

But God has already placed what you need within reach.

A Scripture you tucked away months ago.  A conversation that encouraged you.  A skill you didn’t realise would matter.  A teammate who steps in at just the right moment.  A reminder that you’re not doing this alone.

The keys are there. We just need to remember to look.

Free Lesson to Download:  Kingdom Keys!

Jesus Gives Peter the Keys to the Kingdom.  A lesson that teaches children about the Keys to the Kingdom – the keys that unlocked salvation and healing for everyone!  ‘Unlock’ the Memory Verse, play a game of Capture the Keys, and make a Paddle Pop Stick Key. 

Here:    https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kingdom-Keys.pdf