The couch did arrive. And it was the one we ordered. Incredible.

A couple of reflections:

1) I was doing my Bible study lesson when the call came. Lest you think I’m being super-spiritual, I should tell you the lesson discussion was coming in a matter of hours (so there was a deadline). (’Sounds better to call it “accountability”.) Anyhow, I was reading about Joseph in prison and how the cup bearer was released, fulfilling Joseph’s interpretation of the cup bearer’s dream. Joseph requested that the cup bearer remember Joseph, show kindness, and mention Joseph to the Pharaoh. The cup bearer FORGOT. Joseph spent two more years in prison. If that doesn’t sound long, the Hebrew apparently reads “two years of days”.

Then Pharaoh had a dream and suddenly Joseph was shaving and changing his clothes to meet this high official.

Meanwhile, back in California 2008, this whole couch fiasco happens and when I tend back to the last-minute study, the next question is: “Can you relate to a long wait with a quick ending?” Man, I love that timing!

Now, take a huge grain of salt, because I do not equate my material ambitions with Joseph’s prophecy. But, the irony really drove home for me the following principle: Although Jesus says he is coming “quickly”, that doesn’t necessarily mean “soon”, it might mean “speedily”. We’ve had this couch/money ordeal going on for a while, and I never would have guessed I’d be sitting on the couch tonight. Joseph sat in prison for two years, and all of a sudden found himself in Pharaoh’s court. I wonder how Jesus will come? I wonder how my anticipation of life events will play out - especially those more important than couches?

2) Maybe it’s for the better that we had to wait. Otherwise, my daughter would have barfed on the new couch.

3) Having this couch sure beats going to small claims court, or letting someone steal your money.

Just hope he doesn’t start sending it to you sectional by sectional with ransom notes attached to each section-al.