Hidden Opportunity

What a weekend it's been. I'll never understand why certain things happen to me. I'm sure we've all felt that way a time or two. I swear my decision-making skills are questionable most days. I think it's worse now that John isn't here. Every dumb thought I had I always made sure to run it by him first, now I can't. I'm infamous for impulse decisions, freaking infamous!

This weekend I noticed John's grass hasn't been cut. I reached out to the lawn guy and found out he had an issue with the mower and was out of commission for a little bit. No worries, he's done me a solid all summer and I am so incredibly thankful for him.

I don't know too many people. I've isolated myself for the last two years that I've ruined any "friendship" with people who might have been willing to do it. I remember an old friend telling me about the "next door" app, since I had it on my phone I figured I'd post looking for someone to cut my grass today. The post said, "anyone able to cut my yard, it's a big yard and the grass is tall". As I waited patiently, I told myself I was offering it to the first person to reach out. Three minutes later I had a message that said "hey I can do it today call me". I called and gave him the information. He proceeds to tell me he's a carpenter and does remodeling. My thoughts "perfect I might need him in the future". I sent him the address and an hour later he shows up, in an SUV and no lawn mower.

I'm waiting on the porch, confused as I desperately need the lawn mowed. He walked up the driveway, couldn't have been more than 25. He's talking to me about his business and the type of job's he has. I point out some stuff I'd like to eventually do but my focus today was.....THE GRASS! He says, "I can give you a quote". Okay perfect, quote me. He wrote it up and gave it back, I accepted. I hand him the money and leaves to get materials. He comes back with the materials, no tools. Second red flag, I'm aware! Yet, because I'm dumb and want to give everyone the benefit of the doubt I overlooked it. He starts to put the material up and says, "oh we have a problem you need to do XYZ". I tell him "no" and to do what I hired him to do. He said, "I can't until this piece is fixed". We argued briefly, I caved and gave him more money!

It's 6:30p Saturday night, and I am reassured multiple times it'll be done tomorrow. Sunday rolls around and he shows up with two other guys and fixes partial of what I needed done. The two other guys left and he stayed. He decided to throw in "paint" for my porch, I let him. He sanded it and put one coat of paint on. I won't be a hater; it does look better. Yet, I specifically wanted NAVY paint but got baby blue. Again, because I'm a borderline pushover I'll look past it. It's 6pm Sunday night and the stuff he promised to have done, isn't. He says "what time do you want me back tomorrow". I told him to pick and he said "10:30/11am". I said, "perfect see ya then".

At 10:40am he says, "good morning". I text back good morning and told him I'd be ready by 12pm". I didn't get a response. At 11:32am he text "slept late going to take my dog out and eat really quick then i'll head that way". At 2:35pm I'm still waiting, and over it. I sent him a text after consulting with another contractor and Attorney asking for a refund. I explained to him "no hard feelings but give me my money back as this job was nowhere near what I paid for". Guess who decided to respond? In an unprofessional way, going off on me as if I'm the problem. Instead of unleashing the full-blown crazy, I stayed calm and reiterated I wanted my money back. His final response sent me over "I'm not refunding you". My guy, that's fine. I will be making a report and contacting my attorney. He threatened me with the same. This is something I did not want at all, but I am so sick and tired of being taken advantage of. Yet for some reason I keep allowing it.

He apologized, I apologized we communicated and he showed up. Again, with NO tools. We had a decent conversation, I explained my frustration and he explained his. Although I still think mine is way more credible.

We talked for a few hours and turns out he's super intelligent. Struggles mentally and is a baby! He's a 23-year-old kid who just hustled a 42-year-old woman, and although LIVID at first. After tonight's conversation I couldn't help but wonder "maybe God sent him to me for a reason". The money spent didn't seem so important at that point. After hearing his story, and the look on his face while telling it, lead me to believe this kid wants help but doesn't know how to get it.

He left and 45 minutes later my phone rang, from him. He asked, "how do I get help". My heart broke, I told him what he needed to do and offered to go with him. I encouraged him to crack open the bible and read a few scriptures. He talked about his PTSD, and other life events and I'm utterly amazed he's still pushing through. This kid is legit hustling to survive, stay busy, and to numb the pain. The money didn't seem so important after that.

I don't know how many times I've said it, but I genuinely mean it. If anyone ever needs anything REACH OUT. If I can't help, I bet I find someone who can, within reason!

P.S. The job still isn't finished. Yikkkkkessss!!!

Hebrews 13:16 "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God".