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Uncomfortable moments…we all have them and we typically enjoy when they happen to someone else. I’ve experienced a few uncomfortable moments in my lifetime…wrecking a company vehicle on my first day of work, a blind date in college, my first business trip in which I wrecked another company vehicle, the time I incorrectly jump started a company vehicle which resulted in a small fire (I’m no longer employed with that company). Enough about my work past, let’s talk about my blind date.
Throughout my college career I took part as a Young Life leader. During one of our leader meetings a fellow volunteer told me about her sister who went to college close by. She kept going on and on about what a great fit we’d be! She’s a senior (like you), she’s studying law (not like you), and she goes to UVA! For those of you who don’t know, UVA is a very wise arrogant University. Famous alumni include past US Presidents, Senators, CEO’s, & authors. The college I attended had students with cargo jean shorts and Lynyrd Skynrd t shirts.
As a gentleman I made the first move and messaged her on AIM. After a few weeks of chatting, we decided to meet up. I entered UVA’s prestigious campus, and I realized smart people will have nice things when they're older. The date started off with the “Christian Coffee and Walk”. It was lovely. She discussed logical ideas like the works of Leo Tolstoy and Jane Austin while I debated movie soundtracks by John Williams. “You know, some say Back to the Future had the better soundtrack, however one could argue the world was not ready for Jurassic Park's original score.” The date was going downhill fast, and I needed something to keep this dream alive. I opted for a dinner, and she agreed! She was so excited she invited her roommate so the three of us could enjoy a lovely dinner. I paid for everyone. UNCOMFORTABLE! When the evening ended, I knew our relationship was, too. I decided to let her down easy. Standing in her doorway, looking deeply into her eyes, I gave her the line from Casablanca.
Here's another awkward story between a couple. This time, I was the observer and the couple (both friends of mine) were having a pretty dramatic argument. “You never listen, that’s not what I said”, "Why do you treat me this way?" and so on. It was getting intense. Other mutual friends onlooking the situation were becoming more and more uncomfortable. Many of them just left the room. One that remained looked over at me and said, "Go fix this! You’re the nice one, you’re the only one that can!” Not knowing what to do, I said a silent prayer. I then walked to the dessert table, grabbed two pieces of cake, and approached the battlefield of a lovers' spat. Offering the warring couple the cake, I said, “Here, this may help you swallow all the things you’re saying to each other.” They both stared at me for a few seconds (it felt like hours) until one of them began to smirk, and the fighting stopped.
A few weeks later, Katie was away at a girl’s weekend. My Friday and Saturday nights were filled with homemade pizza, Toy Story 3 (best one) and horrible Paw Patrol popsicles (gosh they suck-just eat ice cream sandwiches like a normal child). Anyways, as the kids fell asleep, I decided not to play Xbox and instead open my Bible. With the kiddos asleep and a quiet home, I read Romans 8:28. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." I was reminded of that silent prayer and a fight that was diffused.
I’ve read this verse hundreds of times before; however this evening, God used this verse to spark my heart and mind with a new understanding. Anything bad, anything good-- the highs and the lows, the easygoing and the uncomfortable-- God is at work in all of it. ALL THINGS. I don't like discomfort or pain; neither do you. Yet, God can use all things for his glory. I cannot handle it or control it, but I can trust a gracious and loving God who is always working for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
The very next day at church, a guest speaker was preaching. She ended the sermon with Romans 8:28. Amen.
Vaya Con Dios