Friday, August 31, 2007

Just some thoughts from the parking lot


How many times have you gone to the grocery and had to "fill her up"?
This mornings trip to Walmart was one of those times.
With preparations for this weekend I had a lot to get. We all know how manageable a buggy is once it is loaded. So as I moved toward my truck, I was having a tad of a problem navigating.
As I got ready to turn down my aisle I noticed another truck waiting to see which way I would turn. I felt like for one that I should have had a little power steering(it would have been extremely helpful) and two it would have been nice to have had some blinkers so that I could have let the kind man know which way I was going. My Mom raised a polite girl. Thanks Mom.
(So if in the future you see grocery buggies with turning signals-remember you heard it here first.)
Anyway, I think it is important as Christian to be polite. When I drive I use my blinkers so that people know where I am going and I don't aggravate them when I slow down and turn.
I thought it would have been pretty funny if I had used hand signals for turning in the parking lot--I do think the man would have thought I had lost my mind.

But then I started thinking about what kind of signals or lack of signals I give to people in everyday life. Do I leave them constantly wondering how I will react to situations.
Do they know that when they come to me with a problem
I am going to turn them right direction.
With God I know that I don't have to worry about what things He is going to do and the way He is going to react. He is true to His word and He is not in a good mood one day and bad the next.

I wonder if my children and husband feel safe in knowing what to expect of me.
I have grown in my relationship with God. What used to set me off does not always now and in some areas I know I have to run to the Lord when they show up.
I hope that there is a constant growth toward becoming Godly.
I think God would say He was pleased with my heart.
And although I know we never take God by surprise with our reactions--I would say I don't amaze Him with the wrong choices I make near as often.

So I guess I could say, I try to live at peace with others as much as is possible with me.
I want others to know that they can safely trust our friendship.
I will respond in love.
And on the occasion that the "old man" rises from the dead and they see her instead of Christ--I promise to get it right as soon as possible.
Then I know I am heading in the right direction with God and with others.

If my life is too loaded with junk--just like that buggy--it will be hard for me to maneuver.
I will be slower to respond to the lead of the Spirit and in the process I may run over one
person and aggravate another.

Dear God, may my life glorify you.


8 comments:

Denise said...

I think your life does glorify God, bless you precious one. I love you.

Anonymous said...

Great post! ((( hugs ))) God is shining through you! D

Patty H. said...

Very good analogy.
We have to be careful what we put into our buggies, don't we?
Blessings
Patty H.

Holly said...

Lovin' it!

Have an awesome, God-filled holiday, Friend!

Nise' said...

Some wonderful words today! For me that "old man" comes out when I am driving. I try to be courteous and "expect" other to be as well and they most often are not... I always learn some lesson while I am driving! Have a great weekend.

A Captured Reflection said...

Interesting post. I make much more of an effort when I am driving to be courteous, let people in the queue, not get grumpy when people cut in, cut me off or go really slow. That said I was extremely tired yesterday and it seemed all the erratic drivers were on the road and then the slowest. I remember starting to react and thinking - this is not a good witness to my daughter here in the back of the car, me huffing and puffing. Same at the Supermarket, smiling, being pleasant, taking time not just biffing unnecessary stuff in the trolley etc. Great post.

Ally said...

Yes this was a lovely reflection of your heart... the analogy was great and your realness about life and spirituality were refreshing! Drop by and visit me sometime

ThreeGirlyGirls said...

Great analogy!! LOVED IT!! have a great weekend!!