The Usual

Nobody likes unpleasant surprises.

I had one the other day.

I decided that I was in need of a haircut and beard trim so I did what I always do.

I drove down to the establishment that has been doing this for me for years.

I was surprised to discover that they had gone out of business.

I was disappointed because I knew every stylist there and each one knew exactly how I liked my hair cut.

I would walk in and place my name on the waiting list.

I would then receive a greeting from each stylist.

"Hi, Jim!"

"How are you, Jim?"

"It’s good to see you, Jim!"

I would then return each greeting, pick up a magazine and patiently await my turn.

When my turn would come, a stylist would cheerfully escort me to his or her chair.

I would then sit down and be asked the one question that I could always count on.

"The usual, Jim?"

I would say yes and a short time later I would receive my customary haircut.

On those rare occasions when a new stylist was about to cut my hair, one of the others that knew me would tell them just how to give me "the usual".

Now, things were different.

I had to find a new place with a new group of people.

I had to introduce myself and explain how I wanted my hair cut.

In time, I will develop a relationship with these people.

In time, they will learn what "the usual" is.

They, too, may close up shop one day and I will have to start the process all over again.

That made me think about my relationship with God.

While it is true that my relationship with Him grows closer each day, the fact remains that He always knew me.

In fact, He knows me better than I know myself.

He explained this to the prophet Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 1:4-5 (NET) - The LORD said to me, "Before I formed you in your mother’s womb, I knew you. Before you were born I set you apart. I appointed you to be a prophet to the nations."

Best of all, I know I will always be able to count on Him.

He will always be there for me.

Isaiah 33:6 (NET) - He is your constant source of stability; He abundantly provides safety and great wisdom; He gives all to those who fear Him.

I don’t need to make an appointment with Him first.

I don’t even need to put my name on a waiting list.

Thanks to Jesus, I can go to Him with anything at any time.

Even "the usual".

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NET) - Always rejoice, constantly pray, in everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,


Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 7, 2012.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I’ll be back here on Friday, December 14, 2012.
Schedule subject to change.