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Written and Shared by: Chaplain Chris Belfield
Have you ever had one of those weeks where you just want to request a do-over and avoid what has already occurred? I am guessing we have all been there at one time or another, and hopefully no more than one time. That is usually enough. However, I am right in the middle of such a week and am almost ready to shout "uncle" to anyone who cares to listen. It started four short days ago – less than 100 hours. I was building Cathy a mobile sewing machine storage cart for her sewing machine collection. This is where I refer you to a previous weekly encouragement regarding her hobby. BTW – she doesn't just collect them - she uses them. Now, how thoughtful and thrifty is that? I was cutting various materials on the table saw and had transitioned to cutting a 2x4. I had done these dozens of times before, but always with the safety hold down in place – until this time, that is. I can already feel some of you cringing at what happens next. Yep, I pushed the wood into the blade and it immediately did an about-face and came right back and met my wrist at full force, driving my 35-year-old POW/MIA bracelet into my wrist. Lesson learned: Safety devices and cautions are there for a reason and no more shortcuts. Next was the semi-annual visit to the dentist. The highlight of my week to be sure. The good news was that I was complimented for my concerted efforts over the past six months. The bad news was that a tooth needed the professional attention of the dentist at a future date. Lesson learned: No matter how good we do; sometimes it's just not enough. OK, enough for the past three days. Not so fast. Then there's today. It started with a lost wallet, included a minor fender bender, and ended with a blessing. All of that in only 90 minutes. Misplacing keys is one thing as there is usually a spare set. But a wallet has so many one-of-a-kind items: driver’s license, other forms of identification, credit cards, and occasionally, on rare occasions, cash. It was finally found after looking in areas where it seemed impossible to be, but there it was. That in itself generated enough stress and anxiety that while backing out the vehicle little thought was given to the realization that another vehicle was parked right beside it. No major damage was done to the receiving vehicle, which paled in comparison to the embarrassment and frustration that the accident even occurred. Lesson learned: An immovable object will, by the laws of physics, naturally resist a movable object intruding into its space. This was the point where I just wanted to finally say, “uncle” and somehow move on. But that did not happen. Why? What good would saying, “uncle” do? None, but it might have felt good to vent a little frustration. Instead, there was the resolution to move on and make the best of the remainder of the day. Then there was the unexpected reminder that God is always watching over his children. And I surely did need a reminder today. Less than an hour after the vehicle mishap the phone rang. I did not recognize the number and was prepared to let the voice mail message speak for me. However, I felt compelled to answer the call. Glad I did. The call was from my chaplain endorser, mentor, and friend, Ron. He felt the need to reach out and see how I was doing today. Talk about a God moment. His call was the calm in the storm and the bright sunshine I needed this cloudy and rainy day. Here was an affirmation that I am never alone and that God knows exactly what is needed and when. Oh, there are still two more days in this week yet, but I am confident in God's presence. How about you? Our encouragement verse for this week is: Psalm 121:8 (NIV) “ The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” May you be blessed by God's word. Chris Comments are closed.
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