In the Right Place ... at the Right Time
Being in the right place at the right time can be uplifting. On a recent return trip to Austin from Hot Springs, AR, we drove through Pittsburg, TX. I remembered while we were there that there is a bronze statue (created by artist Max Greiner) of Jesus washing Simon Peter's feet. The Bible says that Jesus "rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel ... ." (John 13:4-5, NKJ) Peter strongly dissented when Jesus came to him, but ultimately yielded to his Master's will. In that place at the right time, Jesus drove home the point to those disciples that He wanted them to be servants.
I had been in Pittsburg years before and just happened upon the statue. When I saw it, I could hardly believe my eyes. It was full of meaning to me because I had recently studied the John 13 passage in depth. On this day, however, the statue was a bit more special. Why? It had rained the night before, and the basin with Jesus' hands in it was almost filled with water! I couldn't have been there in that place at a better time!
Life often presents us with "right-time" opportunities. We may get the chance to encourage or comfort another person, to help a stranger (never knowing what the impact might be), to say "I love you" or 'thank you" to a family member, friend or co-worker, to bring a meal to someone in poor health, and so on. Have you noticed that many waitresses and clerks wear name tags? Lately, I have been making the effort to call these helpers by the name on their name tag. I have not found one yet who does not appreciate it very much. How easy it is not to notice! How many times have I not noticed?
In business, timing is often important. A "chance" meeting may lead to an opportunity to serve another in a real estate deal. A phone call made just to check up on a prospect or client may bring an unintended, but good, result. Recently, I made calls to two former clients. Each told me that they might have homes to sell in the Austin real estate market in the coming weeks. Whether these listings come to be or not, I was encouraged! The Lord knows that I and plenty of other people need all the encouragement we can get!
Simon Peter struggled with Jesus' lesson on servanthood. I have to think that afterward Peter was grateful that he had been in that Upper Room -- in the right place at the right time.
Jim Gilbert, REALTOR, Heart of Austin Homes
Licensed (#0536692) to sell Real Estate in the State of Texas
