Early on Wednesday of this week I was on my way to the church when I ran into heavy traffic on Ward Parkway. I made a lane change to move past a long line of slow moving cars. I noticed a car coming up behind me at a very high rate of speed. I glanced down at my speedometer. I was going 39 miles per hour, 4 mph over the limit. This oncoming car was really moving.
The car continued until it was very, very close to me. I looked in my rearview mirror. I could see the driver’s face. She was clearly not happy with me. I had no trouble determining the name she called me. Suffice to say it was not nice.
My immediate reaction? Well, I’m embarrassed to admit, I let up on the gas. My slight slowing caused her to react in a not so nice way again. She was REALLY angry now. And then my conscience, or the Holy Spirit, or the voice of my grandmother, or maybe all three, kicked in and asked, “What are you doing?” Not wanting to upset my Grandma Small or the Holy One, I pulled over to the far lane, looked in her direction as she roared past, and smiled and waved in a way that I hoped said, “I’m sorry,” and continued on toward the church and the day ahead.
I have no idea why she was in such a hurry but my petulant behavior helped me see how easy it is to let my ego get in the way of almost ruining a beautiful day. I had been up early. The coffee was especially good. My review of the day’s news had been fascinating. My prayer time felt rich and satisfying, in way it hadn’t for several days. My calendar was full but I was ready to get a lot accomplished. All of that was almost destroyed by my silly, stupid, childish little act.
In Genesis 4 God warns Cain, “sin crouches at the door.” The word used for “crouch” is one used to describe a lion that is ready to pounce on its prey. Last Wednesday, sin was riding next to me in the car. It was more than ready to pounce and inspire my hyper-competitive foolishness to wreck a potentially wonderful day. I’m embarrassed to admit how quickly I gave in to the temptation. I am so glad that my grandma was nudging the Holy Spirit to get after me, though. The rest of the day saw many tasks accomplished, some wonderful conversations engaged and a serene sense of ministry being done.
We don’t talk much about sin in our church and most of the time that is a good thing, even a godly thing. Yet, as I was reminded in heavy traffic, the opportunities for messing up our lives never seem to be far away. Thank God for the goodness of grace, the eternal promise of forgiveness, and for helpful heavenly nudges.
Love to you all,
