– Monday Muse –
Dear One, while sitting with other fans at a high school baseball tournament, I was asked what turned out to be a shocking question. Actually, the question was not shocking. What was shocking to me was my reaction to the question. I was asked it I had ever given a driver ‘The Finger.’
With the question my heart sank. I had to do all I could to keep my eyes from tearing. The thought of dishonoring God in that way, while also mistreating someone whom God loves, made me want to hide my head in shame. Which I must have done for I noticed that I was looking at the ground. A strong, but quiet response of “No” left my lips. Dealing with the pain of such a vision kept me from saying anything more.
A similar question followed that one. “Well then, have you ever thought about it?” The thought of thinking about it was just as painful as the thought of doing it. Another, “No,” slipped from my lips.
My questioner seemed to be in disbelief. So with him in disbelief, and me in a state of confusing grief the group conversation went in another direction. I don’t know what was talked about for I was just sad…as in grieved. This has to be the work of God.
It was then that I recalled being upset with a driver decades ago. He was driving too slow. I was late leaving the house for town, and the driver was holding me up. He was driving far below the speed limit. I was agitated. It was then that God dealt with me. I love the driver in front of you. It is not his fault that you did not leave on time.
That single encounter changed me. After that when I would otherwise have been upset with a driver, I asked for forgiveness. I prayed for him or her. Maybe he was driving so carefully because he was sick, had poor vision, was grieving, depressed, or maybe his car was not dependable…and I should have left the house earlier.
It became such a habit that I seldom gave it a thought. It wasn’t until I was asked ‘The Finger’ question, that my eyes were opened to how God had changed my heart.…little by little… so slowly that I hardly noticed.
So…that is why the vision pierced my heart? God has tenderized it. I guess in Christianize – there is a bit of sanctification goin’ on here inside. Hmmm.
Of course, when we do overcome a sin, there is always another to overcome, but each overcoming is a gift unto God. That is a sinner’s joy…overcoming for the Glory of God. It seems the God who loves us can do a mighty work without us being aware. He truly is amazing…zing…zing…zing.
“And this commandment we have from Him; that he who
loves God must love his brother also. 1 John 4:21
Blessings,
Susanne
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