Homecoming was a wonderful day in our church this year. The day was topped off by a great meal with many wonderful dishes that the cooks in our congregation had brought.
When I came home, still in a reverie over the events of the day, Danielle asked me as I came into the house, “Did you bring the food in?†I responded, “What food?†She said, “The food I left on the toolbox of your truck.†“I didn’t see any food,†I said. She explained, “Well, the food was too heavy for me to carry to the other side of the building. I decided to put the crystal bowl with food and another dish with food on your toolbox. I knew that you would see it when you came out, would put it into your truck, and bring it home.†I protested, “But I didn’t see any food on my toolbox.â€
At this point, she said that she could not believe that I did not see the food. It was right before my eyes. Furthermore, she suggested that the crystal bowl was one of her favorites and that I should immediately retrace my route to see if I could see it. With visions of sitting in my recliner, drinking coffee, and watching a football game rapidly receding into the background, I reluctantly agreed to do so (This is a summary of the exchange that we had; no need to go into all of the details).
So, I got back into my truck and retraced my route to the church looking for a crystal bowl in the ditch. I did not find a thing. I returned home with mixed emotions—not knowing whether to feel relieved at not finding a smashed crystal bowl or defensive that I could not find it.
On the way home, it occurred to me that I had not been parked in my usual place that morning. Instead, Joey had parked his truck, which also has a toolbox, near where I usually park. Upon quizzing Danielle more closely about this, she admitted that she must have placed the food on Joey’s toolbox. This theory was confirmed because the next time I saw Joey and Joseph they were both so full they could barely wiggle.
Mistaking one vehicle for another is a more common error than you would think. One woman, whose name will not be revealed, came into the church office one day complaining that her remote would not open her car door. Upon closer examination, we discovered that she was trying to use her remote on a car of similar color and style parked near where she was parked.
I am grateful that in a world with so many people, God never makes such a mistake. He never loses track of us. He knows our names, and He knows our needs.
Joey has not returned the crystal bowl yet, but I sent him an e-mail the other day quoting Luke 6:38—“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.†I told them that I eagerly look forward to seeing this Scripture fulfilled.
