Cindy Trane Christeson
"Problems are only opportunities in work clothes." -- Henry J. Kaiser.
This past week was another busy one, so I started writing a day
earlier than normal. I'd barely begun when I had computer problems. I
felt sorry for myself, thinking this wasn't fair after trying to plan
ahead. I tried for too long to solve the problem myself, mumbling about
wasting time.
I stopped for a moment, and seemed to feel God tapping me on the
shoulder. Instead of praying about the situation, I'd charged ahead
trying to solve it on my own. I called my friend Steve, who frequently
rescues me from computer woes.
While working on the problem, Steve and I shared what was going on in
each others' families and how we could pray for each other. Steve solved
it easily, and I felt blessed by our conversation. I also realized that
if I hadn't had a problem, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to connect
with a special friend.
The next day before writing, I had car problems. My first thought was,
"How do I solve this as quickly as possible, so I can get back to what
matters?" After calling the auto club, I looked at my long list of things
to do.
"I have so many plans today, God. I need you to help me get everything
done," I said out loud.
I sat outside, took a deep breath and watched the clouds float
gracefully above me. Then I laughed and reminded myself that God is God,
and I am not. It was as if He lovingly said, "Cindy, Cindy, Cindy, I have
my own plans for you today, and you'll be so much happier if you just let
me show you what they are." I can be such a slow learner sometimes.
The tow truck driver came in no time, and was as kind as a
grandfather. He explained the situation, where to take my car and
jump-started it. "You'll be fine ma'am, but if you're worried that it
will die, I'll follow you."
When we arrived he said, "This is Mike the mechanic, he'll take good
care of you."
Mike did just that. I thought I had a serious problem, but I just
needed a new battery.
"What we need to do is adapt and overcome," he said.
"I'm not sure how that relates to batteries, but that sounds like good
advice for life," I said.
"That's exactly right," He answered with a smile.
When he finished I said, "You're obviously good at what you do."
"I love what I do," He replied.
Mike's attitude was refreshing and yet another reminder to me to look
at things with eyes other than my own.
When I focus on God, my eyesight changes, and what I might have viewed
as problems often turn out to be beautiful possibilities I just hadn't
recognized at first.
And you can quote me on that.
CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks
frequently to parenting groups. Her column runs Fridays. She may be
reached at cindy@onthegrow.com; or through the mail at P.O. Box 6140-No.
505, Newport Beach, CA 92658.
