Mac Rebennek, Jr. aka Dr. John, the Night Tripper had a hit song back in the 70's called Right Place, Wrong Time. And I think a lot of us can associate with that. Like yesterday, while riding back from Malcolm Smith, stopped for a bike on the side of the road, like a lot of us try to do. Turned out it was a CHiPpie, cleaning his radar gun. He was surprised I stopped, and I explained why, he smiled. I took off fast, running the T bird through the gears-hoping his gun didn't work-just like I told him. Right idea, right place. But I have also been at the wrong place, at the right time, and gotten tickets when I wasn't speeding. I always hated getting stopped when I wasn't speeding, although five minutes earlier might have been going over 100! Those who follow karma, tell me that is what it is-I paid for something I had done earlier, so it is ok. To them I say, "forget the karma and get in the car." That is no way to live wondering if some past iniquity will chase you down. Hey man, Jesus bore my sin, I'm redeemed. Leave me alone.
As all you parents know, or will find out, this is the time of year for your kids to have Christmas programs-the time when the teachers have patiently taught your kids some songs, then had you dress them up cute to perform them for family and friends. And when my kids were young, I was pretty good at getting to them, between work obligations. But there was a streak that I missed a few, and Theresa made it clear that there would be no good excuse for missing Christopher's Christmas program. None, nada, no way. You will be there. So as I set out on my Coca Cola sales route that morning, I planned the drive to Bayfield in my day. I'll be there-just the the Jackson 5 song.
Now one of the benefits for working for Coke was I drank a lot of it for free, every where I went I could drink one and write it off. I was the guy who had the cooler in my truck, and on hot days would toss cans to the construction workers. Or toss them to kids at the schools when they asked for one-sorta like Santa for Coke-I was nice, didn't matter what they were. But on this morning, it all caught up with me. I was in City Market, and wiped my mouth. Fresh blood. Again, the same thing. So noting this wasn't good, I finished up and then started spitting out blood. Worse. But no way I was going to miss that program. So I figured, just stop by the hospital and they'll give me a pill-this was long before Obama care.
At the emergency room, looking at me spitting up blood, they took me in and pumped a full litre-more than a quart of blood from my stomach. This put a crimp in my plans, as I explained I had this program to go to-never told them of the threat behind it. The young doctor smiled, and said "the only place you are going is to a room, we are admitting you-this is serious." What would I tell Theresa? And Christopher?
It happened our neighbor Cathy was a nurse in the ER, and seeing me, took sympathy, and let me call Theresa. "Honey, something has come up, I can't make it." And then it only got worse. I heard how there was no good excuse, and my kids and her should be more important than work. I agreed. So what is your excuse this time, you better be sick or in the hospital.
To which I replied, "I am." Which made things worse, adding lying to the list. But Cathy, listening to me, took the phone and explained to Theresa my situation-which still didn't get me off the hook, but at least gave it some credibility. And after spending two day in the hospital-after an endoscopy found 21 small bleeding ulcers, I was home for Christmas. And I really did miss Christopher's program-as I love my kids.
But I also had a good time in the hospital. My manager, a guy named Jack aka "Jerk" Emerson, didn't like me. He had only gotten the job because he was best man in Terry Young's wedding, and Terry was hired by the old man to keep an eye on his son Don, so he wouldn't give the company away. Don had a reputation as being the only man who could screw up Coca Cola. So with this heritage, paranoid Jack thought he gave me the ulcers, and felt bad. And I helped him, it was fun watching him squirm and show a different side to me, rather than yelling and over reacting-did I mention he was lousy at his job? Not a people person at all. Hope he changed. But after two days, I went home-and the time spent watching Jack perform, was almost worth the time spent there. I missed my son's performance, but glad I didn't miss Jack's.
Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us let us consider one another in encouraging each other in good works. Now, my actions to Jack weren't the best. Although I encouraged, they may not have been the purest of methods, or even good works. But I hope it changed his heart, if only for a second or two. But the next verse tells us to exhort the assembling of the saints. The famous one used on all who miss church, important dates, and Christmas programs. Used to fill pews sometimes, it is not a verse of legalism, but one of encouragement, and should be used as one. Not the law-but the spirit, saying "get it together when you get together, and set an example for others to want to join in. No pressure, let your light shine, and be a witness without witnessing." And do it often, if not always, because the rapture is fast approaching-and the workers few. So get it together.
I don't know if Jack ever did, but he heard the gospel so much from me in other situations, he could never deny hearing it. How about you? What is your excuse? You may miss a performance or two on earth-don't miss the big show in heaven.
Theresa forgave me, but I try to make it to other's events. You see, your child is expecting you to show up, and that little face scanning the crowd only lights up when they see you. Don't let them down. Don't miss the blessing of seeing their face light up when they see their mom or dad in the audience. They tell others that's my mom, or that's my dad. Imagine how God's face lights up when we call on Him!
And don't let God down either, He is looking for you in the crowd. To be part of his crowd. That is why we have Christmas, for He sent Jesus to be the mediator, the savior to bring us back to Him. He is looking foreword to that day we are reunited in heaven. As for now, don't miss any opportunity to show His love.
The performance you give as a Christian could be the one that changes somebody else's life. To the ER techs, to Jack, to my sons, and my wife-Merry Christmas-and Happy Birthday Jesus! Hope to see you there.
And to Dr. John, this is the right time for Jesus-accept Him now, or it is the wrong place. Not the song we want to sing for eternity.
love with compassion,
Mike
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