“A Pot of Gold” by Justin March
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”Luke 12:34
As I was driving to dinner Thursday night, the sky opened up and rain began to drench the city. I know we need the moisture, yet I could not stop complaining to myself about how this was interrupting the day I was so thoroughly enjoying. I had just washed my car, and I was excited to sit outside at one of our favorite meeting spots and enjoy the sun.
When I arrived in the back parking lot, I knew I would get a little wet as I walked to the front door. I was annoyed enough by how the rain had made my car dirty, and I was sulking about how I was going to have to sit inside instead of enjoying the outdoors as I had planned. I was so wrapped up in my pity, and without even realizing it, I had taken the fun out of an event I look forward to every week.
But, little did I know, God had a plan for the misery I was imposing upon myself. You see, I tend to forget that God has his hands in everything and that the journey is always better if I rely on Him and keep myself open to what He wants to show me. So, since I was the first one of our group to arrive that night, I decided to plant myself upon one of the open barstools and order a beer. And wouldn’t you know it, the gentleman beside me sparked up a conversation that lifted my mood and made me forget about the negative feelings I had towards the rain.
As our conversation became engaging, a couple of the men joining me for dinner that night showed up as well. We began to share stories, and I believe these precious few moments were all my new found friend needed to lift his spirits as well. He seemed a little down when we first started talking, but after a few minutes, I could tell he was feeling much better and allowing his troubles to escape. It was good for both of us, and by the time everyone showed up and we got to our table, I was feeling much better about how this day was ending.
Sometimes in life, we get so bogged down in the rain that we forget to see the rainbow. We dwell in what is wrong, we wallow in what upsets us, and we become blind to the gifts God is trying to show us. But, when we open up our hearts, our eyes, and our minds to Him, it seems to always allow a small glimpse of how good He truly is to us.
The night ended up being a perfect end to an all around good day. I finally understood the rain was only a small nuisance and there was so much more to focus on. God had brought a new friend into my life for a few short moments, He had surrounded me with loved ones that I enjoy being with every Thursday night, and He had blessed me with good food, great conversation, and humbling prayer. And just as the night was about to come to a close, one of the guys noticed a brilliant rainbow behind me. The colors were brilliant, and as I stared into that wonderful creation, I knew that God’s “Pot of Gold” was always waiting for me. I just needed a little different perspective to find it!
