"But the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer." — Genesis 39:21 NASB

The Kindness of Strangers

I did something unthinkable—human. I bought tickets to a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre to see Celtic Woman for my precious disabled friend and myself.

The problem?

I thought July 1 was today—not yesterday, the day the tickets were issued for.

What to Do?

Resignation or Take Initiative

Show up at the box office and plead my case?

Instead of driving 80 miles with the possibility rejection, I called the ticket-issuing agency. I explained my dilemma and that I understood the ticket contract, no exchanges or refunds.

The person who answered my call also confirmed, "No exchanges or refunds." And she said, "You are at the mercy of the box office. Why don't you call them?"

I thought, It never hurts to ask. If I'm told no, at least I tried. If the answer is yes, that's wonderful.

Then the phone representative warned me, "Don't talk to the first person who answers or even tell them the situation. Ask for the supervisor." And then she gave me the Red Rocks phone number.

I dialed Red Rocks' number and followed her directions.

The problem?

No supervisor was in the office. However, if I'd trust that "first person" and tell her the situation she'd email her supervisor.

Within minutes, she returned my call, "Go to "Will Call" and we will exchange your tickets."

Often I feel trapped by my circumstances, as if jailed by the invisible bars of "No hope. No exchanges or refunds for you. You're stuck with a worthless ticket." How often do I fail to go to "Will Call" and ask God to turn my situation around? Far too many than I'd like to admit.

Why does it feel strange to ask God to provide solutions to our problems? His tender heart extends kindness far greater than the kindness of strangers.