“For each of us will have to carry our own load.” ~ Galatians 6:5
Chris was deep in debt and could see no way out. Creditors were closing in on him – fast!
Alone on the park bench, head in hands, he wondered if anything could save his company. Sales were way down. His personal savings was nearly depleted; he hadn’t taken a salary in 18 months. Any income went to pay employees and other business expenses. He wanted to do the right thing, to pay all the bills, but the cash drawer was empty.
Alone on the park bench, head in hands, he wondered if anything could save his company. Sales were way down. His personal savings was nearly depleted; he hadn’t taken a salary in 18 months. Any income went to pay employees and other business expenses. He wanted to do the right thing, to pay all the bills, but the cash drawer was empty.
Connie, his wife, was worried. She was trying to work part-time, but caring for two small children was itself a full-time job. He’d finally admitted his financial problems to his parents, who were retired, debt-free, and worried about their son losing everything! Ashamed, Chris started weighing the “bankruptcy” option.
Chris poured out his troubles to the man, who listened patiently before responding. "The good Lord has blessed me, so I must help you." From a badly worn pocketbook, he signed a personal check before handing it to Chris. "Take this money. Meet me here one year from today. You can pay me back then, interest-free." Then he turned and walked off as quickly as he had appeared.
Chris was dumbfounded. He clutched a check for $500,000 signed by S. Robson Walton, one of the richest men in America!
"I could erase my worries instantly!" he realized. Instead, Chris put the uncashed check in his safe. Just knowing it was there might give him the courage to save his business.
With renewed optimism, he negotiated better deals and extended payment terms. He closed several big deals. Within months, he was debt-free and profitable once more.
[Fast-forward exactly one year.] He returned to the park with the uncashed check. The old man appeared at the agreed-upon time. But just as SChris was about to hand back the check and share his success story, a nurse came running up and grabbed the old man.
"I hope he hasn't been bothering you,” she said politely. “He's always escaping from the rest home and telling people he's Sam Walton’s oldest son." Then she led the old man away by his arm.
Chris stood stunned a second time. Convinced he had a half-million-dollar safety net, he had turned his life around by taking personal responsibility and choosing NOT to play the blame game. Instead of looking for a scapegoat or looking for an easy way out, he’d worked hard!
Our God, who knows all and reads our intentions perfectly, holds us completely accountable for our thoughts, attitudes, and actions and gives us the gives us the choice – right or wrong.
Lord, You gave us a free will. Help me to accept full responsibility for my choices – by acknowledging my shortcoming, accepting Your forgiveness, and knowing You delight in fostering within me a new spirit and a new heart. Amen
