“We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)
Working with my father – as a boy, right through my teens years, taught me a lot about always being prepared and not “putting things off”. In my father’s store, one thing he watched very carefully was the inventory on hand – of everything! He used to say: “You can’t sell items that you don’t have.” (Years later I used what he said to keep the shelves of my mfg. business stocked with millions of parts to ship out all over the country.)
One area at home that my father always prepared for was putting the “snow tires” on the car around November 1. He had a pair of snow tires in the garage – already mounted on wheels (more being prepared), and when I was 12 years old he taught me how to change them being with me as I changed them back in the spring. The next year and each year after, until I moved away, I changed the tires spring and fall.
In the early 1990’s my own company had a second shift. Sometimes I would go back in the evening to work on a machine and get a job running. (Having my hands on the machines was always my favorite part about being in business!). One evening while was there working, a big man riding a loud – but beautiful motorcycle, pulled up in front of the open overhead door. He came in to visit his friend Bob – also a biker. Bob was working on the far side of the room that I was in – but I could see him. Bob and the big guy talked for a few minutes and then the big guy came over to me. He introduced himself as ‘Tiny’ – he said: “That’s what everyone calls me.” (With a smile on his face!). Tiny was very interesting to talk with because he had lots of knowledge about many things – including the machine I was working on! Then Tiny said: “Bob tells me you’re a Christian.” I told him that I believe Christ died for me, rose again on the 3rd day – His tomb is still empty and He’s gone on to prepare a place for me and all who believe in Him like I did to forgive their sins. So, if that’s what you mean by a Christian? Then yes, I’m that kind of Christian.
Tiny paused…then he talked about going to church when he was a child. I told him that asking Jesus to forgive your sins and surrendering your heart and soul to Him, doesn’t really have anything to do with if you’ve gone to church or not. Tiny said: “But I can’t trust Christ right now, I’ve got a lot of things in my life to take care of and clean up first. I told him: “Everyone does” and told him that Christ died for each of us while we were still sinning so that we wouldn’t have to get “cleaned up” first. “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Romans 5:8
Tiny just kept looking down and shaking his head no…(I didn’t say anymore, as I knew that whatever he decided was his choice.). Tiny looked up and said: “I’m gonna become a Christian when I turn 50!” Tiny put out is hand to shake and with a smile thanked me for talking with him and he left.
I never saw Tiny again. Bob had moved away and no longer worked at our factory, so I eventually forgot about Tiny…UNTIL…I was looking through the “Remembrance” section that came out in our newspaper once a month, showing everyone in the county who died last month. Even though he looked a little older and had a name that I never knew…there was a picture of Tiny, dead at 49…That was very upsetting as I remembered him saying “I’m gonna become a Christian when I turn 50…”
For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NLT)
Till Next Time…..
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