On Vacation
I am very willing to share various theories on oddball things that come along in our existence. Here’s one of my favorites.
I’ve lived in Sarasota for more than twenty-six years. As everywhere else in the country, businesses come and go. However, the WAY businesses go here in our town is very interesting to me.
Usually, one of two messages will appear on their sign: “On Vacation” or “Closed For Remodeling”. I’m only guessing, but believe me, it’s a well-founded, educated guess that 99% of these businesses never open their doors again.
A couple of days ago I saw a sign on a restaurant that has changed hands a dozen times in the last five years. It read: “Closed For Vacation May 20-31. Will Reopen May 31st”. Well, the end of May is coming, so we’ll see what happens. At least they committed to an actual date for reopening.
What gets curioser and curioser is that these (mostly) restaurants must have some clue that they’re not going to survive much longer. Why the attempt to spoof and misdirect the public? After a place has been vacant for six, eight months, don’t we all know that they’re not going to reopen?
I wonder how often folks know their lives are headed for the dumpster, but just don’t get around, for whatever reason, to getting some help from a good friend, pastor, counselor, etc. I know most of us do that with our bodies. It’s only indigestion, right? Next thing we know, we have tubes and wires coming out of and attached to every part of our body. We hear a doctor say to our spouse, “If only he/she had come in sooner………”
I appreciate seeing signs that say, “Going Out Of Business. Prices Slashed 80%”. Yep! Then I have warning that perhaps one of my favorite places is about to go under. I can take advantage of a really decent price on some formerly hugely overpriced item. Hey, be straight with me. If you’re not making it in business, tell the truth! (g)
What would our lives be like if we did the same for ourselves? When things ain’t working, maybe we’re headed for “out of business” status, we face the truth, we get the help in whatever area is going downhill and give it our best shot. Above everything else, we communicate the truth to someone!
Would really appreciate hearing your stories. Just use the “Leave a Reply” box below!
– What God sets up for you is absolutely awesome. I’m thinking of the guy and the broken into truck. Go Jesus!
– That was a really neat story! Best of all it was true! The way you used Matthew 28, at least to me, is the most accurate, practical understanding. Once I have my booklet put together, I’ll have to let you see it. It is very much along the same lines, and also summarizes many experiences I’ve been so privileged to be a part of. Each time someone comes to know God, especially if I’m there at the time, I feel that God has given me the privilege to watch Him at work. From your previous note, it sounds like this kind of thing happened a number of times on your journey. That alone makes everything worthwhile, doesn’t it?
– I just wanted to let you know that I very much enjoyed your story. :o) Thank you for sharing your wonderful writing techniques, you really inspire me a whole ton when I read your stories. :o) You shine like a light! :o) Keep up the great work, you are awesome! :o)
(I hardly ever allow so much complimentary stuff about myself to get through. However, this time I thought it would prove the adage, “Even a blind ape gets a banana once in awhile!” – PapaJ)
– I enjoyed your story and it is truly amazing how God puts people in our lives to achieve certain results. How can one comprehend that you were there at that particular time, on that particular day, and struck up a conversation with that particular man. Mind boggling! God works in mysterious ways. Amen.
– Amen! Someone else you will know in heaven :o) because you showed them the way!
– Hi Jerry, I sure do love your letters and it was neat reading about the guy you brought to Jesus in the parking lot. Keep up the good work.!
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