Been feeling pretty swamped with an endless to-do list this week. Yesterday, I was standing in the kitchen cleaning and preparing for our couples’ Bible study, and helping the kids with school, and having a little pity/reprimand party for myself regarding the obligations I currently have, misunderstandings by a few close to me, and overall overwhelming tasks ahead. Adding to this was the fact that I could not leave the house, because the Sears repairman had not arrived to fix the rattle in our brand new refrigerator – for the second time. He was over an hour late. Right about then, he called and apologized profusely for being so late.

“I am not a man who feels comfortable saying that I’m going to do something, and then not doing it,” he said.

Back to waiting. Back to being sad, overwhelmed by tasks, etc.

When he finally arrived, he came in, listened to the rattle, and said he needed to go out to the truck to get some tools.

“I’ll just head out to the truck now. And if I look a little dizzy walking out there, it’s because my wife just called me to tell me that my son-in-law died this morning.”

He began to sob.

“Oh. I’m so sorry. Was he sick?”

Through tears, he told me that his son-in-law had an accident of some sort when he was younger. It has caused arthritis and other complications. They knew that they would probably outlive him, but of course, you are never quite ready to hear the news that he’s gone. He was only 44. Wife. 3 kids. Then he apologized and headed outside for awhile.

These are the verses that came to my mind as he went for his tools. I am not the only one suffering here. And really, am I even technically suffering? Everyone’s life has pain and struggle. It is the nature of this fallen world. Lord, please give me perspective. Give me gratitude for your many blessings, and give me joy even in the midst of extreme busyness, countless tasks, tensions, frustrations, and a very full life.

When he returned he said, “Ma’am, please forgive me for unloading so much pain and emotion on you. It’s just that the call just came and….”

“Not at all. Please, don’t apologize. In fact, what you shared just brought a couple of verses from the Bible to mind.”

(I did not know if he was a Christian or not, but still felt compelled to share.)

“There are a few verses in First Peter that talk about ‘not being surprised at the fiery ordeal among you as though something strange were happening to you’ and ‘knowing that the same experiences of suffering…’ “

“…are being accomplished by your brothers who are in the world.” he said, finishing my sentence.

“I’m very familiar with the Scriptures, Ma’am.”

We shared a knowing smile.

“Well, it’s just that, here I was, standing in the kitchen feeling sad and sorry for myself for a variety of reasons, and then you come in here with real pain and suffering, and it is just a reminder from the Lord to me that things could be much worse.”

“Well, I’m glad my situation could be a help in that,” he said.

Oh, what maturity. What trust. What understanding of the ways of the Lord, I thought.

As he worked on my rattling refrigerator, I asked a few more questions. He was going straight home after this job to be with his wife and make plans to be with his daughter and grandchildren. He broke down crying with his head in my freezer several times. I longed to send him home myself – I could live with the rattle a few more days – but he seemed intent on finishing the task.

While we talked, a couple of other verses came to mind…

While he went out to his truck to get my receipt, I wrote the verses down on an index card to send with him on his drive home to his grieving wife. I signed the slip, and handed him the verses…

“I pray that you and your wife find comfort in the Lord today,” I said.

“Oh, Ma’am. There IS no other comfort. Thank you for listening. Thank you for the verses.”

No, thank you, Lord. For this angel sent from you as a reminder of your love and grace. You never leave me in places of despair. You are faithful to give a gentle rebuke. You are sovereign over even the subtle wanderings of my heart and thoughts, and you draw me back to the only place of true refuge and hope. Thank YOU.