Wives, can openers and making a connection
Two weeks ago my wife was complaining that can openers are not made the way they used to be. She said, "they're flimsy, cheap and easily fall apart." It was then that she asked me to go with her to the mall to find one that was dependable.
After 30 years of marriage, I have learned that the best way to go about this was for me to go alone and buy the sturdiest thing there was. This simple task can be accomplished in 30 minutes. But that's not how things work. The idea is to go to the mall to look for a can opener so we can spend the next two hours browsing at everything else.
Like all good husbands I went with book in tow knowing I will be there for an extended period with the possibility that we will not have a new can opener. Which is exactly what happened.
The store was empty as Manila drained for the Holy week holidays. Marie browsed and I stood and watched. I noticed a lone security guard in the store standing by the section of kitchen utensils. What was he doing there? I thought. It was a weird spot to be in. I decided to engage him in conversation instead of reading my book.
(Conversation was in Tagalog, but is written in English)
Joey: "It seems the store is slow tonight."
Guard: "Yes sir."
Joey: "How long have you been working here."
Guard: "I'm new here, actually I'm a reliever guard. I've only been here a few days."
Joey: "What's a reliever guard?"
Guard: "It's someone they throw around wherever they need a guard because someone went on leave. Actually I used to be a regular guard with a post, but since the incident I have been reduced to a reliever."
Joey: What incident?"
Guard: "In my previous post, I was being asked to do something that I felt was not right, I blew the whistle on my supervisors and instead of getting recognized by management for the good deed I was demoted. I'm not even sure where my next post will be. I've heard they might throw me in some far-flung province."
Joey: "I see. What is you name?"
Guard: "Jeckster."
Joey: "Who gave you that name?" (stupid question)
Guard: "My parents."
As I continued to engage Jeckster I found out that he was 24 years old, was from the province, came to Manila, met a girl, fell in love and decided to stay. I told him how unfair life can sometimes be but that God could make a way for us where there seems to be no way.
I also told him that it was not a coincidence that we were talking. I asked him if he was interested to check out other security agencies since I had a friend who was a supervisor in another company. Actually my supervisor friend is a disciple of Christ and a small group leader. Jeckster said, : You'd do that?" I said, "sure."
I asked him if it was okay for me to pray for him. He agreed and I prayed for my new friend. We exchanged mobile phone numbers and have been in touch since. I have also connected Jeckster to my supervisor friend and he is assisting him with his job application.
Reaching out to others and leading them to Jesus and His eternal Gospel is not as complicated as we think: First, we must have a desire to connect. Secondly, think small steps not big runs. No doubt there are instances when people are ready to get saved and give their all to Jesus. Often, like Jeckster, it's time to just connect. Thirdly, it helps to be connected to other disciples to be able to connect others.
Remember discipleship begins when we who are connected to God, connect to others and move them forward to connect to God. Imagine if every believer reached out to others, get the picture?
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