A Tale of Two Plumbers

“The Lord works in mysterious ways” the Bible tells us. Sometimes it’s crystal clear and other times it’s not quite so clear. He’s at work in our lives and we don’t even know it.

And this happened very recently for me. Let me give you an example of this.

At home we started our 4th shed to tiny home conversion. I started with the electric first, then the insulation. After that we finish the interior walls & lay down flooring. And finally, the plumbing is ready to get started.

So last November (2022) I called the plumber (for this story I’ll call him Charlie) we used for the first 3 tiny homes. I live in the country and getting a contractor to come out is difficult. Charlie knows this and he takes full advantage of it. I don’t blame him because he has a skill that is in high demand, so he can set his price. I needed a quote, but the job was his automatically. As the saying goes; it is what it is.

The month went by, so I called “Charlie” again in December, and he told me he was going to come by. The date came and went but he texted me giving me another date. That date came and went too. Then came January and we set another date. He blew me off again and I was ticked!

I understand things happen but I cannot stand being blown off because that is outright disrespectful. I texted my displeasure to “Charlie”, stating that it was unprofessional on his part. I had hired him the year before. He got paid every dime, on time and every time, I could see no reason why he wouldn’t at least give me the courtesy of a call.

So then, I was either going to do the job myself or perhaps get lucky and find someone else.

I got to calling plumbers far away hoping to find one willing to come out. As one guy told me; “the job has to be worth doing.” But he at least gave me a quote and a start date.

Then this other one texted me back and we made an appointment to look at the job. He came out and before he gave me a quote I wanted to give him the job. Something was telling me to pick that young man, his name is Dane.

The young man Dane came out with his work partner Dave and they completed the job. We spoke about the Lord and the importance of Scripture. Not only were D&D professional but they were genuine. Dane had lots of questions about the Lord and I shared what answers I could.

After the job was completed, It dawned on me, that D&D, were meant to be here, it wasn’t “Charlie”.

Thus this opportunity presented itself. After D&D left, I watched the attached sermon and told my wife; “This is the message I wanted to get across Dane, only I didn’t do it as precise as Pastor Lawson.

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 7:13-14 KJV

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55: 8-9 KJV

“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” Ephesians 6:16

Although I was upset with the way things went with Charlie, I now understand why it didn’t work out. I was meant to share these insights with Dane.

And as far as Charlie, I forgive the slight and will not hold it against him.

In life, we share moments with people. Names and faces fade into memory but others leave lessons that stay with us.

The Lord does certainly work in us in mysterious ways. And ALL the Glory goes to Him!

Have a blessed day.