Franticly trying to cancel out the doldrums of driving 300 miles last night, I was scanning the radio dial looking for Art Bell to keep me awake with his caller’s stories of human eating cows. However, all I could turn up was two for Tuesday on a classic rock station. So I crossed the Savannah River into South Carolina, ACDC finished up Black in Black and starting rocking out Highway to Hell. Could this be fitting I wondered. And since I had started my trip by passing a church with a sign that said “No, its not as hot as hell!”, I thought maybe someone was trying to get a message to me!
Anyway, as I arrived at my hotel, I was told that all they had was a small room with a small bed, not the majestic spacious king bed in the gianormous suite that I usually am granted at this establishment. Then as I was brushing my teeth to head off to dream land, I discovered the stopper in the sink was stuck on stop. (two strikes?). Finally this am after I awoke and prepared to hop in a day starting shower, I came to the brutal reality that there was no hot water in this room! ( I would find out after the cold shower, that the entire hotel was without hot water). Man, welcome to hell! I could only think what else does this day have in store for me.
But really, the entire time, as I tried to complain to myself, I was always stopped short by realizing how fortunate I am to be able to sleep safely in a cool dark room in a comfortable bed, and that I am actually able to take a shower in clean water ( hot or cold.) And about the stopper, I just reached up under the sink and pulled the lever by hand – not really much of a problem at all. None of these things even remotely resemble hell. But boy, don’t we let them ruin our days often! Little things that appear to be so big take us away from the blessings we are giving.
This sort of reminds me of some of the words of Paul over in Philippians
Do all things without grumbling or questioning, Philippians 2:14 ESV
10I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:10-13 (New International Version)
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4 (NKJV)
Well that reminds me of another sign I saw on this trip, at the Big Biscuit Barn just a few miles from my home. “Praise the Lord, Eat A Biscuit”. Hm,, I think I am heading to breakfast….
