Rock of Refuge
An interesting thing happened today. As you all know, the economy is testing the resilience of each of us. A particular taco shop I go to has been hit by the economy, as well. I’ve been praying for the guy who owns/runs it. I can’t imagine choosing to put on a brave face each day like he does, knowing that business is down and dropping, but facing the unknown of how much business he will bring in that day anyway. Recently, a franchised Mexican food chain set up shop in the same business park as his. He now gets to compete against name recognition . . . and like each of us in these times he’s taken a step back and assessed his options – he can’t close his business; he can’t subsist with business as usual since the franchise is drawing business away. He’s got to eat!
So, today, approaching the turn into the business park, I noticed a home-made poster advertising his shop, propped up by a wire stand. Now, this shop happens to make the best carne asada fries in the industry, and I told him so, and said, “you know, more people should know about this place! . . . I like that sign you made for your shop!” He mentioned the franchised Mexican food restaurant and showed his hand when he said some things trying to hedge his place in the business park. So I confirmed and countered him about the other business and said, “but I come here because of your carne asada fries and because I like your shop.” He just smiled and kept smiling. I also thanked him for not rushing me out of the shop when it closed so I could finish eating in peace. Hopefully he got the point :) - and I pray God brings him lots of business and blesses his heart.
Why do I tell you this? I guess just because sometimes it takes seemingly impossible situations to bring us to the point where we think beyond our existing experience or repertoire, even if it’s to a simple jig that’s within our means, to do what we can about the situation or where we give in – and giving in is not an option. Or if you’re a Christian, to take that small (or large) step of faith based on the wisdom you’ve received from God, and hope – if not for today, for Tomorrow – that God not only has today in His hands, but has also provided for tomorrow – and for eternal life, and that makes all the difference . . .
But I also tell you this story to challenge you (and me) to focus on how we can help each other through the storm. No one likes the storm while they are in it – at least not at first – and since the Storm is common to us all, a little charity can go a long way (and also takes our eyes off ourselves).
So, to all of you who have edified me over the years, thank you. And to God, my loving Father, who sees to my encouragement – often just at the moment of my need; and who pulls me through, and will pull me through; and who won’t leave me defenseless, I love You and thank You.
So, today, approaching the turn into the business park, I noticed a home-made poster advertising his shop, propped up by a wire stand. Now, this shop happens to make the best carne asada fries in the industry, and I told him so, and said, “you know, more people should know about this place! . . . I like that sign you made for your shop!” He mentioned the franchised Mexican food restaurant and showed his hand when he said some things trying to hedge his place in the business park. So I confirmed and countered him about the other business and said, “but I come here because of your carne asada fries and because I like your shop.” He just smiled and kept smiling. I also thanked him for not rushing me out of the shop when it closed so I could finish eating in peace. Hopefully he got the point :) - and I pray God brings him lots of business and blesses his heart.
Why do I tell you this? I guess just because sometimes it takes seemingly impossible situations to bring us to the point where we think beyond our existing experience or repertoire, even if it’s to a simple jig that’s within our means, to do what we can about the situation or where we give in – and giving in is not an option. Or if you’re a Christian, to take that small (or large) step of faith based on the wisdom you’ve received from God, and hope – if not for today, for Tomorrow – that God not only has today in His hands, but has also provided for tomorrow – and for eternal life, and that makes all the difference . . .
But I also tell you this story to challenge you (and me) to focus on how we can help each other through the storm. No one likes the storm while they are in it – at least not at first – and since the Storm is common to us all, a little charity can go a long way (and also takes our eyes off ourselves).
So, to all of you who have edified me over the years, thank you. And to God, my loving Father, who sees to my encouragement – often just at the moment of my need; and who pulls me through, and will pull me through; and who won’t leave me defenseless, I love You and thank You.
posted by The Lamplighter at 12:46 AM
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