My introduction into oil and gas, some 25 years ago, was met with an abhorrence for the competition. I was trained to treat them like the enemies they appeared to be. Recently, we were given an opportunity to help a competitor achieve vendor list status. This is a daunting task for anyone as the process can take several years to conquer. It’s even more challenging when the “field” is against you and every road appears closed, and every possible door seems bolted shut. The icing on the cake materializes when this same competitor drags you through the mud in an effort to get ahead. The century old strife returns, the world howls and I immediately regret my decision to assist.
But is this not the message of the Gospel? Jesus says in Luke 6 what credit is it to you if you only love those who love you? If you do good to those that do good to you, what credit can be had? In reality, my competition pushes me down the track as much as my made-of-gold customer does and when the unicorn cannot be found, an intensity is born that is impossible to harness. As thankful as I am for the daily bread below, I am also thankful for the competition provided that enhanced the taste. What was once bitter is now sweet and the only real door I’m interested in walking through is the one of forgiveness.
Praise God for removing the scales off of these sightless eyes. And praise God for filling my cup even when my nonbelieving hand returns to the plow.
