So . . . Monday the plumbers came and did their "thing" but . . . he assured me I would not want him coming back that same day after the stone company installed the sink. Since it is an undermount sink the glue would not have dried and the sink would be pulled down from the weight of the garbage disposal regardless of the clips they would used to hold the sink in place, etc. It made sense to me. This guy knew what he was talking about . But, I told him I didn't want a different plumber coming the next day that I had to explain everyting to all over agin. "No problem," he said, "call the office and request me." GREAT! I immediately called the office while he was still there and requested him. "NO PROBLEM," they said - "we already assigned it to him when you changed the appointment to tomorrow." SUPER!!! I love it when a plan comes together!
So after the plumbers finished, the stone guys came a few minutes later . . . Christian and . . . Messiah. YUP! You heard that correctly . . . Messiah. I said to him "Wow! Your parents must be . . . " and he finished my sentence for me (which I usually HATE) "very religious" he said. He then said, "My mother's name is Mary" and I said "Oh my! Is your father's name Joseph?" He laughed and said, "No Clive". I said, "WOW! They gave you quite a responsibility with that name" and then we talked about being Christians and discipling to others as Jesus commands us. What a beautiful way to end the day. Off I went to Bible study to meet with Women Journeying From the Bible.
The next day (Tuesday) was my jail day. I had already told the plumbing company I wouldn't be home until after 3:30 p.m. I was looking forward to the plumbers coming and finishing up the job. Shortly after 3:30 the door bell rang and I opened the door with a smile . . . which immediately dropped when I saw a NEW plumber. I must admit that I was a bit "miffed" and told him that his company was supposed to send back the same plumber. "Nope" he said, "they sent me." "Yeah, but . . . " (I could feel myself really getting annoyed because why did I bother and why did they bother if they weren't going to follow through? Then I quickly thought - it's not his fault - he's just doing his job.) He came in and proceeded to ask me a bunch of questions and talk about a bunch of things I wouldn't have had to answer or discuss because the "other plumbers" already knew all about this. This caused the appointment to last at least 30 minutes longer than it should have, but . . . I sat at the kitchen table continuing to write out my Christmas cards (and only stewing a little). I also chatted with him a bit and asked him if he was married (yes) and had children (yes - 3 little ones) and were they all preparing for and excited about Christmas (well - sort of). Hmmmm - that seemed like a strange reply for a young father. So . . . I probed (just a little) and asked if he was a Christian. He said he was a life-long Baptist but that his wife was a Jehovah's Witness (in case you don't know - they do not celebrate any holidays including birthdays) so they "compromise" and give their children gifts - but several days before Christmas.
Well I don't need to tell you that this just gnawed away at me and I couldn't let it go. I told him I had just returned from the jail and what I do there. I said, "you know - Jesus wants us to tend to the 'least of these.'" He then said, "'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'" (Matthew 25:40). "Oh!" I said - "you know your Bible!" "Yes, Ma'am" he replied (I love these workers in the south - they are always so respectful!!!)
Well, now this really began gnawing at me (or should I say - the Holy Spirit was nudging me really HARD by this point!!!) As he was making out my bill (I had a captive audience at this point) I ministered to him - reminded him that while it is important to compromise in marriage, bartering about Christ as our Savior is not a good compromise - I asked who he would be talking to as he prepared to leave this world and assured him that God has not left him even if he has left God. He got up and hugged me.
So . . . Dear Lord - thank you for sending me YOUR plumber instead of sending me MY plumber. YOU always know best!!! Amen.
"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." Romans 8:28