05-19-25

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
May 19, 2025
FYI - my Etchings will not come each day during my sabbatical. As much as I enjoy doing them, I appreciate not feeling the stress to crank them out each day.

So we are out of town, and our kid calls us to inform us that we have a leak in the yard near the street. The MUD District had sent someone out, and he was able to determine that it was just past the meter and thus it was our responsibility. That is never the news you want to hear, but when you’re on vacation, it makes it even more challenging. I called one plumbing company, and they were able to send someone out. It was Saturday afternoon, so we knew there were going to be some additional costs. I didn’t think it would be very costly as the guy from the MUD told me that he believed it would not require any removal of concrete, but the first plumber told me the damage to the pipe was extensive and would require him to replace 10 feet, including under the sidewalk. The estimate was over $6,000 and it would take two days. Something told me to get a second bid, but again, being out of town made this a bit complicated. But I called another company, one we had used for a hot water heater. They were able to send someone out, and it was exactly as the MUD guy had told me. My pipe had separated at its joint, and he was able to do the job in two hours on a Saturday night, for a little over $600. Wow! 

In moments like that, especially when you are a great distance from the problem, you feel a bit trapped. There was a need to get it done, so as painful as it would have been, I seriously thought about saying YES to the first bid. Why did I choose to get a second? Did God whisper something in my ear? Was it wisdom, common sense, or just a hunch? The second bid could have been $10,000. The choices we make in any given moment are choices that, at their best, bring together a mix of wisdom, common sense, a bit of a hunch, and if we are listening ever-so-closely, the whisper of God. It does not assume each choice will always be the best, but it is a good starting place. Whatever caused me to pause and seek the second bid was a good one, saving me right at $6,000. Thank God! And thanks to all the good wisdom and common sense that others have tried to place within me. It does help.

For your gracious nudge, O Spirit of Wisdom, I pray for an awareness of what can be learned and for the good choices that are possible. Amen.