“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” 2 Corinthians 10: 3-4 NIV

Writing these presents me with an opportunity to search for what God may be working on in me. It’s funny, though, that when God picks a topic, it is rather apparent. I work on the road a couple of days a week. Some weeks involve staying out of town. However, I usually stay pretty close to home through the winter. I also stay close during pandemics. My average customer is around 70 years old, so being in a higher risk category makes people cautious. Picture an out-of-shape old guy with a tattoo, and it gets even scarier.

Today started fine. A sale in the first house always gets the day off to a good start. I worked a high mile route today, so knowing one is done is beneficial. I also ran into a guy I had been trying to connect with for a year or so. We met at his place in the middle of nowhere. Funny thing, his house was gone. I called, and he said he would meet me there. He was on his way to deliver cattle, so he asked me to come back late in the day after some discussion.

On a high-mile route, that can screw up a schedule. However, he was asking for quotes big enough to make my week. I had a few conversations the rest of the day but not any other sales. As the afternoon grew later, I headed back to his house. By now, I was over an hour back to him. About five minutes before I got to him, the phone rang, mind changed. Another 50 minutes back to the route, and I had gone beyond disappointment and headed straight to being ticked off. It messed up a day. I should say I let it mess up the day.

A predictable outcome for me is when I am mad or stressed, my face looks like it. It can be hard to get past that even though it is an important skill. You have to either blow off stress or face a long day of people not wanting to talk to an old guy with an attitude.

A couple of hours into my pity party, I called a potential customer. She told me around a year ago that she wanted me to come in May 2020. She remembered me. She said, “You are right on time, but it’s too late.” I thought she had bought from another company or something. “I got diagnosed with cancer. My doctor said I have about six months.” She proceeded to tell me her audacious goal of living seven months “…just to prove him wrong”. Stunned. Perspective restored.

As I said, when God picks the topic, you notice. I am not blowing smoke here. I think I am the most blessed man I know. I love my life. I am thankful. We have seen our share of trouble, but we have also seen an overwhelming amount of God-guided intervention, love, provision, and perspective. Undeniable. But man, that hit me hard today. So what on earth do I have to complain about now?

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