May 24, 2017 - Not So Fun

Bill Paying Day Was Not So Fun

Yesterday, I wrote about my attempt to pay bills, only to discover that it was May Day, an international holiday.  Today, I decided to try again.

All night I was waking up singing “Anciano de Dias,” a song we sang at church Sunday.  So when I got up, I found it on YouTube and played it over and over while getting ready.  I was to discover that I needed it, because it was a frustrating morning.

Link to Anciano de Dias

I was at Tigo, the phone company, at 8:20 ready for it to open at 8:30, as were a dozen others.  Somehow, I managed to be at the front of the line, probably because the others were nicer than me.

I explained to the tech that I couldn’t access Facebook and Instagram on my phone, which I usually can.  She typed in some things on the computer and then explained that I needed to pay my bill.  I had paid on April 7^th (less than a month ago), which she saw on the computer, but if I wanted to use it this month, I needed to pay.  So, I went to the cashier, but she said my bill wouldn’t be ready until the 4^th, in two more days.  It seems on my plan, I must pay before the last day of the month.  Frustrated!

I crossed the street to the Banco Ganadero, which still wasn’t opened.  Again, I was waiting with a dozen people, but when the door opened all the cashiers were free, so I didn’t have to wait.  My plan was to try something different this month.  After problems changing money at the Banco Fassil last month, I decided to try to change it at the same place I pay rent.  It turned out to be easier.  The frustration level dropped a bit.

My electric and gas bill won’t arrive for a week, so I will pay them then.  There are several places I can pay my internet, but I prefer the one two blocks from the Plaza.

At 9:30, it was already getting hot and I was developing a headache, probably because of the frustration, but I convinced myself I needed a coffee at the Café Patrimonio.  Yes, the coffee helped.  I talked to the cleaning lady about the house the Café is in, a beautiful colonial home built around two patios.  She encouraged me to go to the second floor, which is usually cordoned off.  I had a spectacular view of the Cathedral.  Imagine living in a place like this!  If not here on earth, then in heaven.

Cotas is just two blocks away.  Usually it is a five-minute stop, but today was different.  A man had a problem with the cashier.  I could see her frustration growing.  I was fourth in line, but while I waited, I saw the line grow to ten people.  One man tried to cut to the front of the line, but that didn’t go over well with the others, nor me to be honest.  Twenty minutes later, I was waited on and was done for the day!

I found a taxi almost as soon as I walked out the door.  To my relief, Christian music was playing.  One of the highlights of most any day is talking to my taxi driver.  He is a Christian for 20 years and a graduate of a seminary.  It took us less than two blocks to discover we were brothers in Christ.  All the idiotic frustration I had allowed on myself this morning washed away, as I was reminded that it will be worth it all when we see Jesus.

I might not be a missionary right now.  I’m leading a good life, retired and writing.  Yet, I am always a missionary.  I don’t know what any day will hold for me, so I must be prepared.  (Even as I write this, the tea I was boiling to make iced tea, boiled over).  The frustrations are momentary distractions to take us away from Jesus and our mission.

Don’t forget that.  Whatever is going on with you will pass.  If you are a believer, like me, you will see Jesus.  Rest, knowing he will keep his promises.

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