I remember when gas stations were full service – you would drive up to the pumps and the guy would come out to your car, ask you how much gas you wanted, and proceed to fill your tank for you.  He would even clean your windshield and check your oil.

Just think about that for a moment.  You never had to leave your car.  The pump jockey would even take your cash from your car window.  You could have them put in even $5 of gas and your gas gauge would actually move.  When I was a kid I remember hearing my dad say to the attendant, “Just put in a couple of bucks” . . . and he wasn’t embarrassed saying that!  Oh, how times have changed.

Personally, I like pumping my own gas (well, except when it’s -25 C in a strong north wind).  I don’t have to wait for anyone, and it gives me a chance to stretch.  But, I would like it if someone else cleaned my windows.

So, when I drove up to the gas station the other day, and there were a couple of girls cleaning windshields, I thought, “Hey, this will be great!”  These girls seemed friendly, and were talking to the people while they cleaned and the drivers pumped gas.

While I pumped gas, I waited for one of these girls to come over to wash my car windows, but it didn’t happen.  They completely ignored me.  I’m not sure if they took a look at my windshield and decided there were too many bugs on it (from a recent trip on the 401) or whether they thought I looked too muscular and didn’t need the help.  But I was a little hurt that they didn’t come over.  I felt like calling to them, “Over here; don’t forget my car”, but I didn’t say anything.  I just got the squeegee and started scrubbing my windshield (the bugs were practically glued on).

Feeling a little slighted, I went in, and paid for my gas.  On the way out, I noticed that these girls were not just cleaning people’s windshields for fun.  They were selling a repair service to fix cracks and dings in windshields.  Then I thought, “Well, that was good.  Not having them clean my windshield saved me having to endure a sales pitch.”

Here’s the thing:  There have been times when I have asked God for things, sometimes with much passion.  And then I’ve felt slighted, and even hurt when He hasn’t answered me.  Some of these requests were very worthy requests.  He just seemed to ignore me and answered someone else’s requests instead.

It was only later that I realized I really hadn’t wanted that request answered in the way I thought.  I was glad He didn’t answer the request because I was way off in what I was asking.  It’s interesting how I don’t often thank God for those answers.  I should be as thankful when God says “no” to me as I am when He says “yes”.

Oh, and by the way, I’m glad I had to clean my own windshield … I’m sure I did a better job than they would have anyway.

Until Next Time!

Pastor Paul

Question: To what request has God said “no” that you are now thankful He did? Leave your comment below.