Perspective

“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 obvious. 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. Apparently, I also stay close during pandemics. My average customer is around 70 years old, so being in a higher risk category makes people more cautious. Picture an out of shape old guy with tattoo’s and it gets even scarier.

Today started fine. A sale in the first house always gets the day off to a good start. I was working a high mile route today, so it is especially helpful knowing one is done. 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. It was there the last time I was knocked. I called and he simply said he would meet me there. He was on his way to deliver cattle, so after some discussion, he asked me to come back late in the day.

On a high mile route that can really screw up a schedule. However, he was asking for quotes big enough to make my week. The rest of the day I had a few conversations 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 kind of ticked off. It kind of 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 at times even though it is an important skill. You have to either blow off stress or face a long day of people not really wanting to talk to an old guy with an attitude.

A couple of hours into my pity party I called a potential customer. She had told me around a year ago that she wanted me to come in May of 2020. Her car was going to be paid off and she wanted to buy after that. I called. 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.

Like 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 and provision. Undeniable. But man, that hit me hard today. What on earth do I have to complain about?

If you are having a great day, what turns your perspective negative the easiest? Why?

If you are having a terrible day, what gets you back into an eternal perspective? Concentrate on that. I missed the opportunity today. I am not sure how many opportunities for conversation I missed because of it.

Challenge: Armor up. I would never walk into a knife fight without a knife. For a gun dual, I would bring a gun. Why did I enter this week short on preparation? Spiritual battle is real. So is spiritual armor. Be prepared for the challenge of the day.

Rick Claiborn