Red Roses for the Lady

By: Dr. Greg Quakenbush, Geissler Corp., & Dr. Doug Ford, Production Animal Consultation

I am a type A personality on steroids! The question is, is it my nature, my DNA or simply a choice? It is probably a combination of all three, but human nature and skewed judgment often cause me grief. My headstrong tendencies and overbooked schedule push me forward, blinding and deafening me to that little voice in the back of my head that says, “Be still and know that I am God. Let me lead your day. Rest in my joy, protection and wisdom. Only I bring the peace of mind that you seek.”

Allow me to share two examples that illustrate my point. First, in the fall of 2013 several pasture fences on our ranch were washed out by the 100-year Biblical-style flood of the Platte River. I was compelled to get them fixed and back in service. A little voice in the back of my mind said, “Don’t be in such a hurry.” I ignored the voice. The next year another flood washed out the rebuilt fences. This caused me twice the work. If I had only trusted and listened.

Second, in 2012 my lower back was a challenge. Like many of us, I was far too busy to take time to see a doctor. Especially if it meant making the appointment, three or four office visits, diagnostics, surgical procedures and recovery time. I reluctantly made an appointment and started the process. On my first visit, I did not even get to see the doctor but rather his Nurse Practitioner. She confirmed there would be many appointments before I had resolution. She informed me the process would take at least one month if everything went well.

Looking over the top of her fashion designer glasses, she seemed unconcerned by my busy schedule and frustration. What could I do? I did not have time for this inconvenience! In that moment I had an idea. “What kind of flowers do you like?” She suddenly smiled, her eyes perked up and she said, “Why, red roses of course.” She then paused and said, “Let me see what I can do.” The next thing I know two days later we did testing and the following day I would have my procedure.

The morning of my procedure I left the house at 4:00 a.m. to make my 6:00 a.m. appointment. Forty miles into my trip I was surprised by a herd of white-tailed deer along the South Platte River. The lead doe hit my heavy frame Texas-style grill guard, shifting her to the left and mangling my driver’s side door. I was less than pleased. I had a little rant and may have even taken the Lord’s name in vain. Thirty minutes later I arrived in the small town of Eaton, Colorado. I was westbound at the main intersection with a green light. Seconds prior to me entering the intersection, a car headed south ran the red light going 50 mph. As you can imagine I reacted negatively against the driver, thinking, “Man it isn’t safe to be on the road this morning.”

My heart was in my throat. I had that “poor me” victim mentality. As I drove a few miles up the road it dawned on me, if I had not slowed down for a few seconds when I hit the deer, I would have been directly in the path of that southbound car. The result would have been a major T-bone wreck… mangled, goner, end of story, adios amigo. That morning I was the victor, not the victim. In my frustration I did not see the Lord’s perfect protection on my life. This was a defining experience.

Many times I fall short when it comes to being still and listening. It is a lot like my earthly father; he always gave me great advice. I did not always listen or take his advice, but he was NEVER wrong.

God cares so much. He is concerned about every detail of our lives. He has sent the helper, the Holy Spirit, to guide our every move and decision. I should have listened more to my earthly Father; it would have saved me a lot of anguish. The Creator of the universe has given us an even better helper. An all knowing, all caring helper. All we have to do is listen and receive! Thank you, Jesus!

Reflection…

So how does one evaluate those seemingly unexplainable events that ultimately shape the course of life? Is it luck, chance or the providence of God?

Luck and chance are easily defined; however the definition of God’s providence might be worth reviewing. “Providence is the means by which God directs all things — both animate and inanimate, seen and unseen, good and evil — toward a worthy purpose, which means His will must finally prevail.”

It could well be that God directs thousands of events in our lives in the course of each day. It also is likely that we may never be cognizant of His activity, or completely miss it or discount it when it actually is too obvious to miss.

For those who do not see God and His provision as a reality, then life’s events, good or bad, are just a matter of luck or a roll of the dice. No matter what this individual does or how he lives, he will eventually reach the conclusion that life is meaningless and an exercise in futility.

For those who are willing to consider the implications of God’s involvement in our lives, His ultimate provision for us has already been given, 2,000 years ago. And it is this specific provision that ultimately is the source of our hope, faith and security.

By the way, Dr. Doug did go back and provide the lady with a bouquet of red roses. She was shocked and pleased, as she never expected this gesture. It is likely that she rarely gets a “thank you” from patients or anyone else. In this situation it may have been one of those “hundreds of daily events” that shapes and directs our lives and gets overlooked, except not this time.

For your consideration:

Proverbs 16:9: The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

Romans 8:28: And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Matthew 6:26-27: Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.”

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