A DIVINE APPOINTMENT
I avoid it like the plague… I’ll put up with quite a bit to avoid going there, but it’s one of those things you can’t seem to avoid forever. Even the hope of a longer life doesn’t make it any easier to walk through those doors, but I did it, I gathered my guts and what little patience I have and stepped in.
I was a little early thinking I’d get in and out quicker… I always have a plan… I quickly scanned the room and the people waiting there… Rats… A pretty big crowd… and I’d be behind all of them. I signed my name and paid my co-pay with no chit chat, “Have a seat – we’ll call you,” the girl who seemed about as happy as me to be in the doctor’s office barked.
I made my way to the farthest spot from people as I could, it was the opposite corner of the dreaded door that they call the victi- I mean patients through. It also happened to be under the TV. Sure with choices come consequences, but at least I wouldn’t have to share an armrest or airspace with sick people.
The only thing worse than a quiet doctor’s office is a loud one. I had to endure the unwanted conversations from all over the room. The mothers sharing the typical stories about their kids. I checked the clock. Ten minutes past my appointment time… They must issue scripts for mothers to memorize…
Just before one of the moms left, a little girl in her terrible two’s, about five chairs down decided she wanted down. She and her dad had a complete disagreement on the arrangement, he used his might to enforce his will. Of course, the rest of us paid the price. The louder the kid got the louder the waiting room got.
There was an elderly lady mumbling very loudly to herself about the government… I probably had the same sentiments as she, but I try not to talk to myself in public… I checked my watch… Twenty minutes past my appointment time… I began to look desperately at the door every time the nurse came to call out another poor sap’s name. I was ready.
I sat under the glaring TV with my eyes closed and my head in the palm of my hand, supported by my arm and the arm of the chair. A shaved headed man with a walker began to tell his temporary neighbor across the aisle about Saudi Arabia. It’s completely possible that the people in Arabia could hear him… I secretly wished he was back in Saudi Arabia… I checked my phone. Thirty minutes past my appointment time…
The place had emptied out of the original people replaced by new patients that had already checked in and had been called back and then released. I was thinking about tearing the TV off the wall when an older couple moved closer to the TV… Great…
He walked with a cane, had a black felt cowboy hat that matched his handlebar mustache and a big gold cross hanging around his neck, his wife looked extra kind, even smiled my direction not caring about the ripped sweatshirt and ponytail. Another tall woman with tattoos on every inch of exposed skin ambled in and sat across from them… My world was closing in… “Are you a Christian?” she asked.
I checked the time, it was forty-five minutes past my appointment time when I realized my real appointment was with the couple I’d mentally vowed to avoid… We chatted about matters of the heart and God. When they finally did get around to calling my name they both extended a hand with sincerity. “God bless you!” they said as I shook each of their hands.
I answered in a loud and proud voice, “God bless!”
“A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps…” I tend to forget that fact… Maybe that’s why I get so many reminders…
Thursday, January 17, 2013 @ 9:06 pm
I had trouble getting past the ripped tshirt and ponytail part. LOL You rebel you! And then to avoid people. You act so…so…normal. I am a normal talker but going to the dr office is not my idea of fun. I like the earliest time in the morning or right after lunch. In and out in a reasonable time. However, I have been amazed when God says slow down big boy. He is just that way when He wants to make a point.
Friday, January 18, 2013 @ 5:23 pm
I fight the rebellious thing still, Bill! And Amen on the slowing us down. There is no fighting our Father… So easy to forget that… Thanks, Bill. Glad to give you a chuckle.
Friday, January 18, 2013 @ 6:56 am
I’ve wondered sometimes if I missed my appointment, was late somewhere or had to take another route for a reason…I know of people who, if they’d been on the road as usual, would have been in the middle of a wreck. We just never know what God is sparing us from or giving to us in the process. Good post!
Friday, January 18, 2013 @ 5:24 pm
That’s a great point, April. I too have been the recipient of those kind of timing miracles. God is sovereign. I just need a gentle reminder every now and then. Thanks, April.
Friday, January 18, 2013 @ 9:58 am
It’s interesting when a little contact like that can just change your whole day. Glad you were able to open up at the right time even though you were in a pretty big bummer of a place. I always sit away from everyone else and pour a gallon of sanitizer on my hands afterward.
Friday, January 18, 2013 @ 5:26 pm
I hear you! I can almost see the germs flying around in the air! I’ve learned that if God has a plan for me there is Nooooo fighting it. And your right, Loren; those kinds of God things bring a whole new perspective to the day and a reminder of the things that are truly important. Thanks, man.
Friday, January 18, 2013 @ 2:53 pm
God’s plan happen one way or the other. Some times we just need to patiently and uncomfortably wait for His plans:)
Friday, January 18, 2013 @ 5:28 pm
Amen, Dan. It’s not always comfortable or where we want to be, but if it is His will there is no bette place for us to be. Thanks, Dan.
Friday, January 18, 2013 @ 7:30 pm
Divine appointments… May my heart be always open to them, even as yours was.
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 7:51 am
Hopefully both of our hearts may be more willing from the beginning… It could also save us a ton of time! Thanks, Voni.
Friday, January 18, 2013 @ 8:21 pm
Well, Floyd, I”m convinced there are no accidental appointments. God ordains them all and sometimes those we least expect to be from Him, are. How wonderful that you could see the hand of God in this. Also, I loved the way you described this entire scene. You’re such a wonderful author. I could picture everything (and I don’t like doctor’s offices either…….but I didn’t even think abuot this until reading just now, but God put me right next to a rather loud woman when I took my mother to the doctor……a woman I would have loved to avoid. But she told me all about the pain she had experienced with a recent divorce. I think God wanted me to listen and to talk about him, which I did. So, yes, no coincidences!
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 7:58 am
Well done, Lynn. The uncomfortable times can turn into the biggest blessings when we have the right perspective. I think God does just call us to be there and listen sometimes. Being kind to others is God loving all of His children, I just need to be a little more open to it… and quit being such a germaphobe! I know for sure God can handle a few germs… Thanks, Lynn. To know us, it wouldn’t seem like we have so much in common… but we do! I’d say I get the better end of that deal!
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 7:25 am
I love your storytelling narrative here, Floyd. I have a question: can we really “ever” miss an appointment with/for God?
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 7:59 am
Great point, Dan! We can fight, but we can’t win! There is no missing the appointments He’s ordained. Nice call! Thanks, Dan.
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 9:45 am
God’s timing is not always our time. However His appointments are never late, even though we wonder at times. The people you met needed to talk with you and you with them. We bounce thoughts here and there and some will stick. They were blessed by your conversation with them.
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 12:33 pm
I agree, Hazel. It was a blessing for all involved. I just didn’t see it coming. Thanks!
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 11:21 am
It’s amazing that now matter how we try to avoid divine appointments, the Father always manages to get His point across. Thanks Bro’!
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 12:34 pm
I hear you, Jay. It doesn’t matter how hard we try to avoid the divine appointments, we may put them off, but we can’t cancel them. Good thing we’re not calling the shots! Thanks, Jay!
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 11:29 am
It seem when we are in those uncomfortable place God delights in snapping His finger in our face to get us to wake up to His love through the ones we try so hard to get away from. I think the Phrasise hated Jesus because He took those uncomfortable times and used them for His glory. How often I need that snap of the finger, wake up Betty, wake up, you are to be about my business, here, right now. As always, your story telling skills drew me in…great post brother.
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 12:37 pm
Thanks, Betty. Glad I’m not alone in needing the snapping of our Father’s supreme finger to wake us from our selfish daze. You’d think we learn by now? The spirit is willing… Great lesson in the Pharisee analogy. Jesus did use the everyday things and made life changing lessons out of them. Wow. Great wisdom, Betty. That’ll preach, sister!
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 1:03 pm
I was laughing through this one, as I do most of your posts 🙂 You are a very good story teller and a blessing.
What a great divine appointment! Glory to God.
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 1:27 pm
You’re to good to me, Ngina! Glad to give you a laugh… great medicine I hear! All glory to God for His perfect persistence! Thanks, Ngina.
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 6:58 pm
Ponytail huh? I’m learning more and more about you:)
Have you written a book? If not, I think you should.
I wrote a post kinda, sorta similiar…Grace in the Dentist Office…thought grace was needed for the poor souls in there and found out it was rained down on me! Isn’t it exciting to live for the Lord…even in the Doctors office?
Can’t wait to see what your next story is!
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 7:26 pm
Yeah, I’m still a bit of a rebel… And yes, I’ve written a couple of them, nothing published. I just submitted my last one to my first agent the day after Christmas. Grace is the missing ingredient in all waiting rooms! Good call, Kristin! I know for sure grace is the one thing your not short of. I guess since our Father isn’t short of it none of should be. Thanks. And thanks for the kind words.