“Ugh,” I groaned, as the bank representative explained that I would have to go to the Social Security office–not my favorite hangout. It was to change a mistaken account number for my direct deposit.
Previous visits resulted in major frustration. Just trying to find a place to park somewhere closer was a 30-minute task in itself. Then there was the test of patience required while I waited with twenty or so fellow citizens and/or aliens in the line spilling out the door.
After a long period of line-shortening, I finally arrived inside the office, only to experience an airport-like phenomena. It started when I was required to remove my jacket, shoes, belt and purse. Then I waited my turn to pass through the portal to check for weapons. (I hadn’t felt like using a weapon when I started this journey, but it began to sound like a good idea.) I took a number (73? How long would that take?). I found a seat near the front to stare at the flashing numbers on the screen for each category of service.
After about 45 minutes on my first visit, I had been instructed to enter office A where I found myself met by a disembodied face on the computer screen which told me to sit down. The lady was helpful and it wasn’t long till I left to see another employee who could actually use his hands to take my paperwork. He was efficient, took my information but despite my extended time there, told me to return next month for another appointment.
What I learned from this baptism by fire was that with Social Security nothing is quick or easy. Many challenges are met and no matter your persistence, there are always more requirements to come.
Reviewing my former visit made me more willing to have a tooth extraction than to repeat it. I began looking through my paper work murmuring a prayer asking for favor.
My delighted eyes spied a treasure–an actual extension number and name of the nice worker I had met with at my appointment. Could it be that I could bypass all the hoops and challenges and go straight to the source of information? Oh Lord, let it be!
With trembling fingers, I punched the precious number. Within moments, I spoke with this blessed lady who knew exactly what to do. She entered my information and asked me to call her back the next day to see if the changes had been made prior to the close deadline. What a blessing–no parking blues, no long lines, no speaking with virtual counselors, no postponed appointment. She was my advocate in the confusing and bureaucratic Social Security jungle.
What an amazing illustration of calling on the perfect advocacy of my Savior, Jesus Christ! Instead of going to the world or trying to do it myself, He would be there for me. Who knows more about what I need? Who else has the exact resources that I want and has the power to give it to me. Praise God for His efficient, loving and gracious eternal assistance, without the complex and confusing journeys through the Social Security system.
Dianna
Sharing the Fruit of Maturity
