Twenty eleven

Well now, seems it's been years since I took cursor to web page ("pen to paper" in modern day vernacular) and given a good story. I'am not sure this will be a good story but it will be an update.
I find myself alone with my megaerie in the ARK, looking out on the sliver of a moon, resting on desert hills, past twilight. The wind is a chilling reminder that it is winter and I am safely tucked in, thanks to a brand new heating furnace that was gifted to me by my generous brother - Two Christmas gifts worth... Humbling, to say the least. Last month iIhad over $1300 in repairs to not only the ARK but the Beehnd Runner had a starter and yes, a battery  also go kaput! The ARK had a furnace (heater), water pump and two batteries bite the big one..It's been an exercise in faith, humility, trust, eating crow and at least one opportunity to share the Gospel.. Made the last battery issue worth it!

His name is Robert and he and I had no idea we would meet, but God did. It was one of those days when the ARK wouldn't start, again and I knew I had to go and locate a new battery, a CHEAP battery...So, we charged her up and with animals all in respective places, headed out. The smart neighbor said to head for Wal-Mart so I called, they could put one in for me and I traveled the 20 minutes to the Big Store...
The customer tatooed, tooth-missing service technician who greets me with his hand held computer inputer says he doesn't know if they have the right type and can squeeze it in. Mind you, the ARK has three batteries and I have already replaced one ( $118) and the other was replaced right before I bought it. One to go!

So, I say to him, well, it shouldn't be too hard to take one out and put it in. He said he is a mechanic and wouldn' trust the guys off the street that they hire! They might screw it up. Oh, thanks! I see the wires and could do it me-self... So, the manager comes over and says they have a side plug version that the manual says they have to use and costs more.... Lots more... No go!

The hand held mechanic refers me to Superior Tire and says they have INTERSTATE batteries, same kind I have, It has to fit ...Oh, how hard can this be? It's a tight squeeze with three bateries but it isn't THAT big of a deal...Off I go to Superior Tire who wants $125 plus $25 install.. Nah!  I call Auto Zone and talk to Robert. He measures a battery, says it will fit, top loading posts and he will gladly install it for free. Off we go! Thank You, LORD for Robert!
The critters wonder what's up? Dog park? River swim? New RV park? Not so fortunate but in the spiritual realm, it's valuable!
I meet Robert coming out the door, 1/2 way through the parking lot. His chipper voice "YOU MADE IT!"  resounded.
and he set to work. He was clean when we started.....
He finally got the correct battery and tools in his cart. This is a business akin to Schuck's or Napa, mind you. His work seems to be the cherry on top. Above and beyond...
He sweats, grunts, groans, gets zapped a few times and finally ges the blasted thang in, afer taking off his ring, wiping sweat from his forehead and not even cussing once! Before we parted ways and I must tell you I was most grateful.... MOST grateful, I jumped into the ARK and grabbed a booklet ~ Yep, you guessed it, Gospel of John.
"Robert! I have a 'thank you' gift... The Gospel of John, the man who was Jesus' best friend." He grabbed it, tapped his chest with it three or four times, got teary and said " You have no idea how much I need this right now."..
So, my ears are on red alert. Really?
His girlfriend's sister was killed recently by a drunk driver and the family is really struggling with missing her. It's the holidays.. She was a mere 17 years old...Oh, Jesus! They have forgiven the man but the heartache is profound. he said "It's JUST what I need! I will read it tonight!"
My heart leaped for joy....  He said they were seeking a church.. Press on, then. Press on. I have been prayng for them ever since.
So, it was the best hundred bucks I had ever spent. Pretty cheap price to give hope to a man and his loved ones. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, the LIFE and no one comes to the Father but by Him...
Hallelujah. We are charged up! Thank God for dead batteries. He can/will turn something bad into something good. I just need to see it and unwrap it.
Amen.................