So far I have gone through a pile of papers – sorted, filed and threw away the garbage; I’ve cleaned out some not so pleasant left-overs out of the fridge; threw in a load of wash; removed my outdoor plants from harms way (wind); poured myself a cup of coffee; ate a piece of bread and butter; cleaned out the cabinet under the TV; checked my e-mail and even replied to one and I’m still on hold! - yep…I’ve been on hold for over 35 minutes and the only attention I’m getting is the same recorded message “waiting times are long-please hold, you are important (yea right)” …and then there’s the music – oh my…and I can’t even turn it down or off!
Is it worth it? Well – I have no choice if I want to get my Christmas merchandise that has been shipped to the wrong address – again. Uh-huh, twice in the last two weeks. Sigh-
Life has its frustrating moments or days or…you get the point I’m sure. Finally a lady comes on the line –over 40 minutes have past, she is soft spoken, clear succinct grammar so that I can understand and no static on the phone. Things are looking up.
The first thing she asks is my account number and of course I’m ready and read the number slowly and distinctly. ‘Mrs. Puff, that number does not match anything in our file, what is your confirm number?’ I was ready again, and so was she…’Mrs. Puff, we do not have a house address for you; but the status says that you received your order two days ago at 12:50 p.m.’
I realize that my testimony is at stake here so I take it slow. I even read the confirmation e-mail message from her company with the account, confirm and house number all intact. Her records’ however were different.
Oops, I asked for it – I’m on hold again.
While I’m waiting I decide to ‘choose’ to look at the good side. After all, look what I accomplished while I was waiting the first time…one handed! Then I began to think about the negative side, for after all, look what I could have accomplished if I had two hands free! I had to flick the little dancing devil off my shoulder before he could whisper any more in my ear. Think positive…think positive.
The nice lady was back and explained to me after a hearty search that my package had gone to a different address. (I knew that) Then she explained that she found the address number and I could feel free to go pick it up if I felt led BUT if it wasn’t there I could call back….
The fruits of the Spirit were flashing before my eyes… call back??? Did I misunderstand when I paid the postage? I really believed that the postal fee covered delivery to me. Alas, another choice.
Upon hanging up we both wished each other a good day and happy holidays that were quickly coming. She got off easy…she was suppose to. The mistake wasn’t hers, yet I made a firm request that records were to be clarified immediately. We will see about that – I still have two deliveries coming through that same company. Since they are already paid for, I will keep a positive attitude about their arrival.
You’ve heard about ‘Murphy’s Law’? Well, that has been in full swing around here the last three weeks. It doesn’t stop me though from asking God “what is it you want me to learn?” I know, you thought I was going to say “God…why ME!?”
In truth I know ‘why me’. That’s easy… why not? The world is in turmoil and pain. The suffering of the saints throughout the world is in full march and the church of our Lord is under attack. People are starving and going without medicines. Children are crying themselves to sleep with empty stomachs- their parents having disappeared. Crime rates of the worse kind are up and compassion is down. People have lost their homes to floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunami’s and inflation. Unemployment is at an all time high and terrorism hasn’t ebbed – so why not me?
I’ve been inconvenienced that’s all, but in it I can recognize God’s hand. He wants me to NEVER lose sight of Him and to always wear the countenance of Christ and consider another person by how I speak. Here is a hint on how to accomplish that after waiting 40 minutes for a stranger to answer the phone and take care of your problems… before you make your call, pray for the outcome of that call. Make it count for Jesus. Pray for that person and pray for your attitude. At the end of the day if you can lay your head on the pillow and say to God, ‘I did okay Lord, thank you for getting me through…and God, if that lady isn’t saved – please bring someone into her life that can open the Bible with her” – if you have that peace, you will honor God.
Would you rather be seen as wise or foolish? Proverbs 14:29, 30 says “A patient man has great understanding but a quick-tempered man displays folly. A heart at peace gives life to the body…”
Struggles and troubles and inconveniences… great reasons to lean on Him.
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