Wild Geese

Today we went on a wild goose chase. We drove 50 miles across town to look at a used vehicle at a dealership. I made sure to call first to see if the car was still available and if they would accept our financing. Things were looking good as we headed through patchy rain, everything from a downpour to a drizzle to spots were the roads were completely dry. About 5-10 away from the dealership, the salesman calls me to make sure we're not lost. He must be ready and waiting, right?

We drove around the parking lot, which was TIGHTLY crammed with cars for sale, searching for a place to park. We ended up out back on one side. Toting our umbrellas, we marched in and searched for the Pre-Owned department, asking for our salesman. His desk wasn't even in that part of the building, so another salesman walked us across the building to the new car area and sat us down at our salesman's desk.

We waited about 20 minutes for him to finally show up. He walked in briefly, introduced himself, fussed about the previous salesman having disappeared and his inability to do three things at once, and disappeared for another 20 minutes.

When he came back, he looked at our financing paperwork and disappeared in search of the keys for the vehicle in question.

About 20 minutes later, he came back with the news that the car in question, although present, had a deposit on it through another salesman. Then he proceeded to persuade us to take another "acceptable" vehicle, even though we had driven 50 miles to see this specific vehicle which we had searched out on the internet. He grabbed his umbrella and headed out to find what he thought would be acceptable vehicle for us.

We waited another 10 minutes and then just left, driving another 50 miles towards home.

I don't mind waiting patiently when necessary, but I hate it when people waste my time and then try to talk me into buying something I don't want!

The good news of the day was that, although an hour late, we made it in time for dinner at a minichurch gathering. We were able to meet the mom and sister of our friend whose oldest sister had died Saturday evening from lung cancer.

God worked out all the details of the oldest sister's passing. Difficulties of getting the family there were smoothed out. The oldest sister was able to recognize her mother and sisters. She also had the opportunity speak with her deaf daughter who couldn't come. And she died out of the hospital at her son's home, as she had wished.

I praise God that she was a believer, and I pray earnestly that those family members who are not yet believers or are not strong in their faith will be drawn to God through this event.

It was a joy to visit with the visiting mom and sister, to laugh and joke, and to just be there in support of the family. The sister we visited with expressed her understanding of why our friend loved it here in Texas, being surrounded by a family of supportive friends.

That's how I want to be spending my time -- being a supportive friend. Sorta puts those wild geese in perspective.