You Can Never Be “Good” Enough
I walked in the door- back home after election returns and storm coverage last night- with about four hours to rest, get back up, and start the morning drive news. All of the frazzling election numbers and interviews coming from all directions, plus the harrowing stories of storms didn’t rattle my nerves as much as a quick conversation I had with someone on the other side of the drive-thru window.
When you work early mornings you often see the same people. There are several cars and trucks I recognize as “regulars” on my way to Bearden. Same goes for some of the people at gas stations and the few fast food places that are open around town. I only stop for gasoline at that hour when I am about to go dry. But my breakfast stops are pretty regular.
Last night I stopped for a sandwich and drink. I won’t say where, but it’s along my regular route, and the person on the other side of the window was a regular. I will stop right there because I am not sure they want to be identified beyond that.
The drive-thru window popped open and they greeted me:
-Hey, you here early, or late?
-Late, I’ve been working tonight.
-Well, I guess you won’t be seeing me around here much longer.
-Oh? You leaving?
-No. I got cancer. Doctor says I’m eat up with it in my throat and my lungs.
-Man, sorry to hear about it. I suppose you’ll be doing chemo or radiation.
-Nope. Nothing.
As the cashier fooled with my bag and handed my soft drink through the window, I figured it might be now or never to see if she had confronted her own mortality and beliefs…
-Mmm. I see. Let me ask you- are you ready?
-Oh yeah, I’m ready.
-So you know where you’re headed when you die?
-Yeah, I’m a good person. I know I’m a good person.
-Well, let me ask you this- Do you know Jesus Christ? Know about him?
-No. But I’m ready to be with my dad.
-Well, I will certainly pray for you, and ask other people to do the same.
But will you do me a favor?
-Sure…
-Will you dig out a Bible somewhere, and read the Book Of Matthew. It’s helped me in some tough times, and it might at least be a comfort to you.
By this time, there was a car behind me creeping forward as if the driver wanted to nudge me out of the way. I wrapped it up:
- Hey, I’m no preacher, and I am sure a sinner, but I really think you might at least read some nice comforting words if you look at Matthew. Meanwhile, I’ll be thinking of you..praying for you.
-Okay…see ya.
And as quick as that, it ended. She was the first person I spoke to on this Ash Wednesday.
Wow.
Wow. I am no where near that secure.
As for election night, I sort of missed working it. Some good memories of those hectic nights…a lot came from working them with you.
For me, Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season is very much about physical mortallity. I doubt there’s any coincidence this conversation happend the day it did.
Excellent post! Thanks for sharing that information and for spreading the Gospel!
Dave,
Thank you for your witness to that person. You may have just planted the seed that only the Lord can give increase to.
Mike Clark