Thought for the Month
Angel In The Omelet Shop
By S.T. Mann
What takes priority if God calls us when we have something else scheduled?
Can God cause business to increase or decrease?
Which is likely to make longer lasting memories - pursuing God's work or man's work?
We had 2 early games Saturday. The third game wasn't scheduled until 6:30 PM. The team I was helping coach was playing in a tournament on the road, out of town. I took advantage of the break in schedule by visiting a sister, Dee Dee, who was in very poor health, and lived in nearby. We prayed. For health. And to be used by the Father.
Pray for one another, that you may be healed...
On my way back to the ball field for the 6:30 game, I got a craving for an omelet. And at once I came upon an omelet shop. With only one old derelict-looking car in a remote corner of the otherwise deserted parking lot, I wondered how the place could be closed - at 5:30 PM on a Saturday in a large city!
As I pulled into the parking lot I could see the place was in fact open. But no customers! Delighted with my good luck (a quiet setting together with the prospect of speedy service, which would ensure my 'on-time' return to the ball field), I ordered my omelet, and chatted casually with the teen age waitress. We talked about life, her life - problems with family (her dad had just left home), school work, dating, demanding work hours, and paying the bills.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous...
But my attention to the conversation was superficial (at best); I was mostly pondering the brilliant maneuvers I soon would unleash on the opposing team at the ball field.
I paid the bill, with just enough time to get back on time, and I noticed the name on my waitress's uniform – 'Angel'. My heart came alive - bells rang, red flags waved, buzzers buzzed. I was 'on-call' and it was time; the game would have to wait.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way...
This time, we talked. This time I was focused. And attentive. And loving.
With all the obstacles mounting up against her, I suggested maybe God was trying to get her attention. We talked some more, comparing her life with the life God expects for humans, as described in Scripture.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom...
Angel told me, yes, she had previously given her life to Jesus. But, He was no longer a factor in her life. I speculated maybe it was no mere coincidence I showed up at her restaurant, and that we had an hour completely to ourselves. She agreed. We prayed then and there about turning her life back to God.
I found trouble and sorrow. Then I called upon the name of the Lord...
As I said goodbye at 6:30 PM (game time!), I asked her if there was anything else I could pray about for her; she said 'Well... yes... we could use some business!' Throughout the time I was in the restaurant, we continued to have the place completely to ourselves. Incredible! We prayed one more time, just a quickie.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God...
Now I don't remember how late I arrived at the game or whether we won or lost, or how we placed in the tournament that weekend, our won-lost record for the season, or who led the team in batting. But I do remember that as I walked out the omelet shop door, four cars pulled into the parking lot!
Your Father knows the things you need before you ask Him...
© 2004 – S.T. Mann, All Rights Reserved