Learning Old Lessons a Second Time

Written by Matt

Do you remember the 1993 movie Groundhog Day? Bill Murray’s character repeats the same day over and over until he finally realizes that he needs to change his behavior to get through the day and move on with his life. This movie is Hollywood’s way of showing us that people come with character flaws which need work. In real life, God has a way to improve our character and sometimes it involves repeating lessons.

I have been going through the second round of my life, it feels, for the last seven years or so. Along the way, there have been many lessons to relearn.

For example, when I was 17, I worked for Mann’s Chinese Theaters. I sold popcorn, candy, soda and movie tickets. I also cleaned the theaters between shows. Picking up the popcorn, candy, soda, and assorted other trash that was left behind. I did it all while wearing a red vest with a cheesy name tag on the right. Fast forward almost twenty years, I am working at ACE hardware. Wearing a red vest with a cheesy name tag on the right and sweeping up popcorn.

I was back doing the same thing as I did in high school. Oh, how the mighty have fallen! The Lord was doing a work in me. He was reminding me where I had come from and how to be humble so that He could get the credit. (By the way He did make all our bills work out for a family of five living on one almost minimum wage job. As time passed, I got other duty assignments and had less time with the broom.)

Here’s another example.

While on our second project at Flying H Ranch, I was enlisted to be the resident mechanic. There was a back log of repairs and maintenance that were needing done to their fleet of vehicles. I was told that whatever I could do would be greatly appreciated.

I dove right in.

The years that I had spent in the auto repair trade were paying off big. It all kind of flooded back to me, and I really enjoyed doing my first passion. So much that I fell quickly into my old ways. Coming home later and later. Telling myself, “She will understand. I’m helping the ranch.”

While my dear wife did understand and gave me a LARGE amount of grace, she did point out the change happening in me. She also reminded me that I have been known to be a workaholic and have put my work over my family in the past. It was a hard thing to hear. A lot of the times the truth is hard to hear. I guess that I have some more learning to do on that lesson.

On to the next repeat lesson I am learning.

Currently, we are working at Warm Beach Camp in Washington state. (Not warm and no beach). This camp puts on a large Christmas light display. Because of the COVID pandemic this year, the display will be a drive through instead of a walk through. That means the camp has to cover three times as much ground with lights and props than they did last year. We are helping build some props for these displays.

I met my dear wife while building sets and props for a theatrical production at Red Rocks Community College. The technical theatre class was responsible for the backstage aspect of the performance. The director thought I should run lights and Golden should run sound. We worked side by side for three weeks practicing for the show.

Being here at Warm Beach has reminded me how much I enjoy working with my wife.

The Lord has a way of reminding us about what is most important in our life here on this earth. I pray that we all would learn and remember the lessons that have been given. It can be humiliating if and when we don't.