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Obstacle or Opportunity?

Pastor's Piece, by Mark Baines

 
Last week I showered in a stranger's home, left with a pair of beach shorts and returned later with a box of chocolates and a book. Here's the details…

I was on my way to pick up five boxes of 'Advent' books, a new book released in time for the Christmas season. Thornleigh church had chosen to gift the book to its members, to give away to friends and neighbours and whoever might be interested in reading about Jesus' first coming and His relevance today.  My 5yr old son accompanied me on the trip and when I needed petrol before picking up the books, he asked if he could fill the tank. I thought it was a good learning opportunity and agreed, showing him how to hold the nozzle and wait for the click before releasing his grip. Part way through filling and with no warning, he pulled the fuel nozzle out and sprayed me with petrol.

With my waist soaked, I returned the nozzle to the bowser and poured water from the nearby plastic container over my shirt. By the time I paid for the fuel, my nether region was experiencing a strong burning sensation.  The station attendant said there was no bathroom for me to use, so I returned to the car and drove the nearby streets looking for a park or water tap. Nothing came to sight and with the burn increasing to emergency levels I decided to just pull over and douse myself with my water bottle. Just then I saw a man in his front yard with a hose - and what a beautiful sight that was! I pulled over and approached him with wet pants and explained my dilemma.

He offered his hose and asked I not burn his new grass with my fuel residue. As I took the hose onto the street ready for some hydrotherapy, he changed tune slightly and offered me a shower in his house. I gladly accepted that and his adjoining offer of a pair of old beach shorts that he no longer had use for. But I sure had use for them, and I was so grateful for his hospitality, generosity, and the decreased burning sensation!

What did I learn from this situation? Obviously to take more care when empowering the next generation to handle combustible substances. Yet I also learnt that though some may see what happened just as an annoying and painful situation - an obstacle in my day - it was really an opportunity. I ask God each day to lead and guide and show me how I can be part of His work, and I believe that He wanted me to meet that stranger. A couple of days ago I returned with a gift of chocolates, his washed shorts and an Advent book. He texted me later to say thanks. Maybe God had arranged that encounter so that man had an opportunity to meet Jesus and hear some good news.

What do you think?

Could the obstacles coming your way this Summer be opportunities for growth?

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