07/18/16 TWO LESSONS FROM A FORGOTTEN PHONE
(it ain't about the phone, y'all)
#1 I WON'T NEED IT THAT SOON
I had a short errand to run, earlier in the morning, and knew I would be back at the house within just a few minutes, so I was in a hurry to get started. As soon as I started out the driveway I realized that I did not have my phone with me. I thought about taking a minute to get my phone, but I thought to myself that I was not going to need it. It crossed my mind that I always take my phone wherever I go. But I was not going to need it for this short trip, so off I went.
Well, I finished my quick errand, but then realized that I needed to contact Bill before he got out of town. But, "oh no," I could not phone him before he left Beaufort.
NO PROBLEM. I figured I could cut him off at the pass (in other words, go to Turner and catch him at the light on Cedar). IT WORKED... almost. I actually did catch him sitting at the light, but then the light turned.
NO PROBLEM. I was actually the front car in my lane. Bill would have to drive right past me and I would signal him with my car horn. As it turns out, he heard the horn, but he did not see me sitting there.
NO PROBLEM. I waved and stuck my arm out of the window, flagging them down. Whew, the children saw me, but all they did was wave good bye to me, as Bill drove out of Beaufort. Grrr.
NO PROBLEM. As soon as the light would change, I would try to catch him on Radio Island, After all, the children would have told him that Pappy was sitting at the light, waving frantically as they drove past. NOT. But still, I could catch him as he entered Morehead. After all, maybe he would stop at the first intersection to fuel up, or he could get caught by the traffic light. WRONG AGAIN.
NO PROBLEM. He would have to pass through several city lights, which would probably stop him along the way, then I would catch him for sure. So, I pursued him from 4th Street to 24th Street, and still didn't catch him (although every traffic light assisted me). Now he is on the west side of Morehead and there was little traffic to slow him down, on his way out of town.
NO PROBLEM. I figured he might stop at Bojangles for biscuits, so all I had to do was miss the few remaining traffic lights. WOO HOOO. I still have a chance.
FINALLY I catch them at Bojangles. I was able to accomplish my mission, and get some breakfast while I was there.
STILL, if I had had my phone, I could have saved myself the time, the gasoline, the ulcers. And the fact is, I could have missed him altogether.
Leaving home without a phone can lead to inconveniences, difficulties and even disasters. But leaving home without an open communication line between you and God is a real problem that may have everlastingly bad results. Don't ever think that you can go without His presence, without His leading, without His strength, even for a moment. We need Him more than we need breath.
DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT HIM.
#2 I LOST MY FOCUS
Later during the day I was going to take Caleb out for lunch, since it was his birthday. Hillary asked me if I would be able to take her to the bank at some point, and of course I said yes. However, since the driver window will not close, I don't just leave it unattended for very long, and since my vehicle is filled with fishing gear, and I cannot take more than four of us at one time, I asked her if I could take her to the bank, and then she could drop me and Caleb off at Plaza Mexico for our after noon meal. I told her I would then call her after we ate, so that she could come and pick us up. She said, "ok."
PROBLEM... When Caleb and I got out of the car, and headed to the restaurant, I left my phone in the car. I had been focused on navigating through the streets and the parking lots of Beaufort, without hitting pedestrians, and then I was focused on making sure that I had my money (because I hate to have Caleb wash dishes for his birthday meal). It wasn't until we were part of the way through our meal that I realized that I did not have my phone.
NO PROBLEM. I figured the management would let me call Hillary on their phone.
PROBLEM. Then I realized, I don't know her number.
NO PROBLEM. I would get the number from Caleb.
PROBLEM. OOOOPs, he did not know the number either.
SO, WE WOULD END UP WALKING HOME. Actually, it was a pleasant walk and I enjoyed Caleb's company. I mean, how bad can a walk along Taylor Creek be, with one of the greatest guys in the world, right?
Focusing on other things, even good things, important things, can cause us to forget essential things. BUT WE CANNOT ALLOW OURSELVES to forget to stay in touch with God as we travel through life. Sometimes our mistakes end up being a blessing, such as walking home with Caleb, instead of catching a ride. But when we are out of touch with God, nothing good comes from it. Don't have your mind so busy with the stuff of life that you forget Jesus, the Source of life.
DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT HIM.
