THE GROUCHY GAS PUMPER
The sun had just finished turning it’s back on a warmer than expected day. My wife’s troublesome car was flashing the low gas level warning light after picking it up from Bill’s, my friend the mechanic, who spends more time with the car than my wife does these days.
I pulled into the convenience store/gas station closest to the house to fill er’ up. The fast becoming grungy place looked like a small parking lot as people jockeyed for direction and position for fuel. I swooped like Mario Andretti toward the outside eastbound lane and took the last unused pump.
My mental celebration was immediately dashed as I noticed the yellow cover over the pump handle indicating my pump was “out of service.” I waited behind the SUV, realizing how people felt when they waited behind me when I’m filling up my truck… Annoyed is a fairly good word to sum up my demeanor at the time.
As I waited impatiently, the pumps on the other side opposite me were moving like liquid down hill. After considering trying to move over, change directions, and back into an available pump while the cars were popping in like popcorn in hot oil, I reconsidered and thought it better to try and keep my impatient meter at annoyed instead of risking sensory overload.
My internal meter was rising slowly past “annoyed” when I got interrupted – a break in the action, or lack thereof… Three kids pushing an old beat up Honda sedan into the open spot on the other side of the island up to the empty spot beside Mr. Slow Gas Pumper – the spot that I was envying.
I had to laugh inside; even the people pushing their cars were moving faster than me! I watched the kids… they were interacting with Mr. Molasses and he laughed a little, pulled his wallet out and handed the kids a few bucks. “Great”! I thought to myself, I helped another young kid with a girlfriend or wife and a small baby last time I was at the Bad Luck Market.
Mr. Turtle finally got in his car and left… Before I could even get the handle out of the dispenser the tallest kid was on me, “Sir”? I didn’t look up – I knew I was visibly grouchy. “Sir”! – “Could you help us out with anything”? – “We don’t have any money and we’re out of gas”!
I finally looked up at him and noticed he had a t-shirt with the name of the high school our oldest two attended and I coach at, “You go to Horizon”? I asked gruffly. “No – I just got the shirt – people ask me that all the time”! was his lame answer. “How old are you”? I asked with attitude. “I’m sixteen – uhhh – they’re eighteen”! he offered up his friends.
I guess he figured I was a dead end as he turned and headed into the store. Even though it was late, I was tired and hungry, I wasn’t done with the youngsters whose lives we’re headed the same direction as their car with no gas; nowhere…
A look into the driver’s eyes told me he was searching for more than money… I took a deep breath and began to speak…
My grouchy gas pumper facade faded to compassion…
Nancy
Sunday, June 10, 2012 @ 8:32 pm
Oh how I understand “redirection”. Lest I continue to think incorrectly, the holy Spirit reminds me ever so often that I am going about HIS business and mine gets taken care of on the way! You were in the right place at the right time…..with the words of LIFE.
Floyd
Monday, June 11, 2012 @ 7:46 am
I tend to forget that Nancy. I forget that I don’t belong to myself, but to the One who has saved me for eternal life. “Redirection.” Gotta remember that…
bill (cycleguy)
Monday, June 11, 2012 @ 2:26 am
I have a few pet peeves. Mr Slow Gas Pumper who then leaves his car at the pump to either go into pay, go to the bathroom, do some shopping, take up residence, or whatever goes inside. But also glad to see your openness to the leading of the Spirit.
Floyd
Monday, June 11, 2012 @ 7:53 am
Thanks Bill. Yeah, it just took me little longer than it probably should have…
tcavey
Monday, June 11, 2012 @ 5:59 am
It’s amazing how God wants to use us no matter what mood we are in.
I’ve found that when I am most grumpy- it is Satan trying to get me distracted from what God is wanting to put before me. I’d like to say I kick Satan and my mood in the butt and focus in on God, but sometimes I let my emotions get the better of me.
I can honestly say, I’ve never regretted focusing on Christ despite my moods, but I have regretted letting opportunities to serve God slip past because I wasn’t in the mood to be Christian.
Floyd
Monday, June 11, 2012 @ 7:56 am
Your not alone I can assure you. “In the mood to be Christian,” that sums it up pretty well. We don’t want to be bothered with the things that truly matter. We all tend to want to be in charge I guess. Your right, the only regrets I have in hindsight is not allowing my mind to surrender to His will.
Dan Black
Monday, June 11, 2012 @ 11:11 am
Great story. It’s good to know I’m not the only one who get’s frustrated at the gas station. At least God was able to speak to you in the situation.
Floyd
Monday, June 11, 2012 @ 2:28 pm
Yeah, I think you have plenty of company regarding the gas station. I’m pretty sure God wasn’t going to let me go any where until He was done with what He ordained!
Jay Cookingham
Monday, June 11, 2012 @ 1:27 pm
Ahhh…Mr Slow Gas Pumper…I think Dyaln sang a song about that. Anyways, we never know when God moments appear…we just need to be gased up and ready! 😉
Floyd
Monday, June 11, 2012 @ 2:30 pm
That was clever! I’m serious, Jay you have the quick and easy wit! I think Dylan sang about an eleven dollar bill in the same song. We do need to be ready, maybe I’ll do better a little bit quicker next time…
Jay Cookingham
Monday, June 11, 2012 @ 2:39 pm
The pump don’t work ’Cause the vandals took the handles…bro’ 🙂
Floyd
Monday, June 11, 2012 @ 6:38 pm
“Eleven dollar bill, but you only got ten”! I wonder how many readers are familiar with that song? My guess is they may know it, but aren’t quoting it and actually hearing in their heads… Yeah, I know you are, I am too!
Hazel Moon
Monday, June 11, 2012 @ 3:30 pm
I have been pretty close to the situation those young men found themselves in, but God was gracious and at least I made it to the pump without needing to push.
Thanks Floyd for melting and being gracious!
Floyd
Monday, June 11, 2012 @ 6:41 pm
I have to admit, I’ve ran out of gas before, but thankfully I haven’t had to ask strangers for money to get me going again. My heart does break for kids I know have potential… just no one around that cares enough about them to make them do the difficult things until it becomes part of them, their heritage. Thanks Hazel.
Hazel Moon
Monday, June 11, 2012 @ 5:21 pm
You will see this post again at Tell Me a Story: http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/
Floyd
Monday, June 11, 2012 @ 6:41 pm
Thanks Hazel. I do appreciate it and I enjoy reading the others as well.
Diane
Tuesday, June 12, 2012 @ 4:24 am
Oh, Floyd! This is precious…I love that you allow us to see your transparent heart. We ALL have grouchy days. And to see compassion override your grouchiness…I actually sighed as I read that. Yeah…go, Floyd!
Floyd
Tuesday, June 12, 2012 @ 7:21 am
Thanks Diane. I’ll admit I’m rough around the edges to be sure, but God calls all of His children alike. We all have a job to do, I just want to do it with a more willing heart…
brad
Tuesday, June 12, 2012 @ 10:40 am
I felt like I was reading something written about me. I enjoyed the laugh. Wow I felt every word.
Floyd
Tuesday, June 12, 2012 @ 1:14 pm
Sometimes I wonder if people will be able to relate to some of my posts… However, I never have to guess about you! Thanks Brad.
Jason Stasyszen
Tuesday, June 12, 2012 @ 12:58 pm
Love those divine appointments. I’ve missed more than a few because of impatience or any number of reasons, but I cherish the ones where I’ve listened and I do believe I’m becoming more sensitive to the Holy Spirit in that area. It’s amazing how sometimes seemingly little things can impact people’s lives so greatly. And for sure, the enemy knows this too and will try to make us feel stupid or uncomfortable for reaching out, but God honors that faith. Enough of my rambling. 🙂 Amen, Floyd!
Floyd
Tuesday, June 12, 2012 @ 1:17 pm
Thanks Jason. It’s difficult to look past ourselves sometimes, especially with others who we feel are lacking basic wisdom. I always appreciate your rambling, it always makes me stop and think… which is hopefully setting me further down the road of wisdom!
Audra Krell
Tuesday, June 12, 2012 @ 1:32 pm
I always relate to your posts, you are a great writer. I want the rest of the story in the next post….what did you talk about? How was it received?
Floyd
Tuesday, June 12, 2012 @ 8:01 pm
You’re too kind to me Audra! I actually did do a part 2 of this post. I’m shocked that you actually picked up on it! I was contemplating not posting the next one, but I will now. I’m out of town right now so I don’t have it typed. I’ll repost tonight and on Friday I’ll do part two. Thanks Audra, you and your family are a blessing to me and mine.
Saleslady371
Tuesday, June 12, 2012 @ 6:13 pm
I could feel the tiredness and hunger in your words waiting for the slow guy. I’m too impatient and focused on my goal to get behind some peaceful, happy-go-lucky slow types who seem to enjoy pumping gas! I’m trying to think of something that could make it worse….I know….a bratty toddler whining in the back seat while waiting!
Floyd
Tuesday, June 12, 2012 @ 8:06 pm
Just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse… you cross the “T” and dot the “I”! Now that you mention it I do remember those days. No wonder I’m so grouchy! Thanks for the input and dose of reality.
mary McLeary
Wednesday, June 13, 2012 @ 10:58 am
I had always said I would retire when I became the oldest, grouchiest one in the building. At sixty, I was, so I did retire. Now looking back I am so thankful that he could use grouchy old me in even small ways for His glory. I am rested and my joy has been rekindled so your story was a wonderful reminder of who’s in charge no matter how we feel. It was certainly a story worth telling.
Floyd
Wednesday, June 13, 2012 @ 1:35 pm
Thanks Mary. God is amazing that He can use us sometimes even when our spirit isn’t willing. I’m pretty sure I wasn’t going anywhere until His will was done. He is definitely in charge. Good call.
Joanne Norton
Sunday, June 17, 2012 @ 9:09 pm
Amazing how the Lord will keep us in a spot for a while that we didn’t necessarily want to be hanging out, and, yet, it is to bless us spiritually and touch others by the hand of God… with our own wrinkly, callous-covered hands.
God has had me pick up hitchhikers 3 times in many years. He’s so specific. It’s been 3 men and, in the natural, could have been dangerous. BUT HE was the instructor. Twice I prayed for them before I reached their drop-off location. Would most people think it’s OK, especially when the last 2 times I wasn’t a young ‘un? No! But, obeying the Lord is what counts. The consequences are in His lap/heart, not mine.
I enjoy your stories and your examples of real life that need to be seen. Thanks.
Floyd
Monday, June 18, 2012 @ 8:50 am
Thanks Joanne. You’re right, if God has something planned it doesn’t matter how much we want to go our own way. He does speak to our spirits about His will. I like the fact that you don’t fear the world, that fear or respect for our Father is encouraging. Good for you!
Cheryl Smith
Monday, September 15, 2014 @ 6:56 pm
I SO appreciate your honesty and transparency, Floyd. Your total lack of hypocrisy is a strong testimony to the close walk you have with the Lord. It is such a blessing and inspiration. God bless you for heeding His call and helping some of His children. What matters is that you ultimately chose to follow Him and you made a positive difference in their day…and their lives, and they won’t soon forget.