I Shoulda Knowed

The prospects for Saturday were to stand in the south Florida sun, all day. I didn’t yet know what we were going to do, but it didn’t seem to matter. It would be hot. Have I mentioned that I don’t really care for the sun? Yea, I don’t.

The frown on my face matched my thinking. I had volunteered, however, along with several others from our church, and there looked like very little opportunity to back out now. The frown began to morph into a scowl and then deepened.

I glared up at that yellow ball in the sky and I thought about the children of Israel. While they were endlessly wandering in the sun filled wilderness, they needed to fully rely on God to provide water, food, shelter and all they needed each day. They had to believe a new day's supply would be sent to nourish them by God from Heaven. They had to believe He would give them shade and relief from their suffering.

Ok, I can be a little dramatic, I guess, but they trusted that God would provide! And I should have as well but I didn’t. At least not right away but God has always been faithful to point out for me how he is still in control even when I am getting in my own way. Today his answers came quick.

We were volunteering at a neighborhood event that included a variety of activities but the primary call to action was “don’t do drugs.” Hundreds of people were expected for the 6 hour event on this hot, sunny, Southern Florida day.

Pastor Kevin, Terri and I were directed under a canopy and told that we would be working here, (in the shade) for today. The grumpiness began to fade. It would still be in the 90s, but shade is waaaay better than sun in this humble Finnish boys opinion.

They asked us to begin by setting up the tables and machines.

“What are these for,” I asked cautiously.

“Those are the ice shavers; We are asking that you would run our snow cone booth today.” What, what? My job involves taking big ice and turning it into little ice?” The smile was starting to come around. I could feel my attitude shifting up even as the temperature was beginning to go down.

Then came the pièce de résistance. “This will be the busiest location in the park today. I anticipate that you should get an opportunity to talk to nearly everyone in attendance so I hope you are comfortable with questions about addiction and the answers for it?”

The smile that I had started developing, broke into outright laughter. “You mean I get to stand here in the shade, all day, surrounded by ice and talk to hundreds of people about addiction and the answer for it? You’re ok with me talking about God?”

“That would be great. Thank you for your help today.”

No, Thank You. The gratitude is all mine. Now.

I glanced up at that yellow ball in the sky and I thought about the children of Israel. While they were endlessly wandering in the wilderness, they needed to fully rely on God to provide all they needed each day. And He did.  Yes, He did.