A Stubbed Toe and Broken Springs

I got back home and now had some time to kill, so I went on a run. We were heading out of town the next day and had a lot of things in the office and at home that I needed to take care of. We had someone coming to the house mid-day, and another important meeting first thing that I needed to be in the office for. All of these anxieties were running through my head, as well as wondering what happened to my friend as I got back to the house. I hit the code on the garage door to let myself in. It made some strange noises, started going up, and stopped about a foot off the ground.  

It did this over and over again, and being my only way into the house, I started getting irritated. Finally, after about 100 tries, I just rolled under the door to see what was going on. Turns out the springs somehow broke between me leaving for a run and coming back. Well, I thought, this is great. The door is broken, I can't get the cars out to go to work, I don't know where the key to the front door is, the pet sitter won't be able to get into the house while we are gone, if we can even leave in the first place, I'll miss my meeting, my toe hurts, and still no answer from my friend who stood me up.  

After frantically texting people for a recommendation and calling around to find someone to fix it, I finally got someone who said they were planning on taking the day off and enjoying a long weekend, but he would run over as soon as he could to help. Phew! While unpacking my stress to Susan, she simply said, "Just be glad it happened today while we are here and not tomorrow while we were gone and couldn't do anything about it."

"Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful." (Colossians 3:15)

In all things be thankful...it could always be worse. 

Sometimes, the thing right in front of you that causes so much grief is actually a gift in disguise. Before you freak out, step back and consider what's good or useful about the situation. In this case, an inevitable repair became obvious at just the right time. I met a super-friendly professional who made himself available to help, and I referred him to several other people that day. The meeting I was worried about went just fine with me on a video call (thank you, technology). And my friend finally called, feeling terrible, and I was able to share grace with someone whose life had been running a little light in that area, strengthening our relationship.   

I love the old saying: I used to complain that I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet. Always be thankful, the Bible says. If you try hard enough, you can always find a reason to be. At least I had a toe to smack and a bed to take it out!