Earl Traveler and the Elevator Mishap

Have you ever ignored a warning sign because you thought, "It'll probably be fine"? Earl did...and it led to one unforgettable day.

In this episode Earl decides to take an elevator that is clearly marked "Out of Order." What begins as a simple trip to pay an insurance bill quickly turns into an unexpected visit from the fire department, an embarrassed rescue, and another classic "Earl moment" that leaves Pearl shaking her head.

Along the way, we discover that God's wisdom is often found in the simple advice  Sometimes the easiest way to avoid trouble is simply to pay attention before we learn the hard way.

Join us for another humorous adventure with Earl and Pearl that will bring a smile to your face and a timeless biblical truth to your heart.

Transcript

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Hello, fellow coach earners. I'm your host, Dave Light, and welcome to Travel with a Purpose, a podcast designed to keep Coach earners and friends informed, entertained, and inspired. In today's episode, we learn about the importance of following advice. One day Earl and Pearl and Sheila Little were headed into town. Earl needed to stop by the insurance office to pay their premium, and Pearl and Sheila were going to get some groceries and supplies for the Thursday night potluck dinner in the lodge. We won't be long, Pearl said. I'll probably be waiting for you, Earl replied confidently. The insurance office was on the second floor of an old downtown building. As Earl walked inside, he noticed a large sign hanging next to the elevator doors. Elevator out of order. Earl looked at the staircase. Then he looked at the elevator. Then back at the stairs, and he scratched his head. Well, he muttered, it's only going up one floor. How bad could it be? He pressed the elevator button, and the doors opened. Well, so far so good, Earl said with a grin. So he stepped in and pressed the button for the second floor. The elevator started upward, and it made it almost halfway. Then Earl heard a loud clump. Everything stopped. The lights flickered, and there was dead silence. Earl pushed every button on the panel. Nothing happened. He jumped up and down. Nothing happened. And then he pressed the emergency call button. Hello came a voice. I think your elevator took the day off, Earl answered. Well, about fifteen minutes later, Earl could hear voices outside. Then more voices. And then someone shouted The Fire Department is here. Earl sighed. Well, this is getting complicated. I know what Earl is gonna say. Why did you take the elevator when the sign said it was out of order? Well after another half hour of planking and banging and enough mechanical noises to convince Earl the building was being remodeled, the elevator doors were finally pried open. There stood Earl, safe, embarrassed and wishing he had taken the stairs. And wouldn't you know? Just then Earl and Sheila pulled into the parking lot with the groceries. They immediately noticed the flashing fire trucks and ambulance and several police cars directing traffic. A crowd gathered around the building. They looked at all the commotion. Then Pearl quietly shook her head. Oh no. A sinking feeling came over her. I'll bet that's Earl. They walked toward the crowd, and Pearl asked one of the firefighters, excuse me, did someone get stuck in the elevator? Yes, ma'am. Pearl closed her eyes for a moment. Was he about this tall? she asked, holding her hand up. Was he wearing a green shirt and tan shorts? The firefighter smiled. Yes, ma'am. Pearl nodded knowingly. I figured as much. Just then Earl stepped out of the building, brushing the dust off his shirt as if nothing unusual had happened. There you are, he said cheerfully. What took you so long? Pearl folded her arms. What is going on? Earl answered with a grin on his face. I saved time by taking the elevator. Earl gave him the look. Earl, the sign said the elevator was out of order. I know, Earl said. So why did you get on it? Pearl asked him. Earl just smiled. Well I thought it was just a suggestion. Well Sheila, in her usual voice, said, Earl, it wasn't a suggestion. It was a prediction. After thanking the fireman and promising to pay attention to signs, they climbed into the truck. As Earl buckled his seatbelt, Earl said, Well, at least your insurance premium was paid. Earl nodded. Yep. And then after a moment of silence, he added, Do you think they'll give me a discount next time because I tested their building? Earl just looked out the window. Some questions simply don't deserve an answer. Well, friends, Earl's self inflicted dilemma could have been avoided if he had remembered Proverbs nineteen twenty. Listen to advice and accept instruction that you may gain wisdom in the future. That's good advice for Earl, and for the rest of us too. Wise people pay attention to good advice before they learn the hard way. Thanks for listening to this podcast. I invite you to subscribe and share it with others. I'm your host, Dave Leighton, and remember we glorify God as together we travel with a purpose. Happy sojourning.