I enjoy my morning drives to work. Though the traffic is heavy and sometimes hectic I feel protected from the hustle and bustle of the outside world while sitting inside my car. I turn on the radio, put my eyes on the road ahead of me and listen to music while sipping my coffee in complete comfort. Those twenty to twenty-five minutes of relative peace have become a surprise blessing for me as I have learned to navigate the busy freeway on my early morning commute.

Today I learned that a co-worker needed a drive to work in the morning. She didn't ask me, but I knew the need was there. I surprised myself when a twinge of selfishness crossed my mind and I hoped that she passed me by when asking people for a lift. I didn't want my peaceful drive to be disturbed. But just as quickly as I hoped to avoid being asked, the Lord convicted me. I was instantly ashamed of my attitude. Didn't Christ teach us to love others? Weren't we to stop thinking about ourselves and look to the needs of our brothers and sisters?  "This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you" (John 15:12, NLT).  Christ didn't say we were to show His love only when we wanted to or when it was convenient for us. His love is totally unselfish.

My thoughts then turned to God's Grace. He has shown me boundless love through His mercy and forgiveness. He provides for all my needs, comforts me through trials and gives me hope for the future. He showers blessings upon me. He made the ultimate sacrifice by willingly going to the cross for me...and for you. Was it convenient for Him to do these things? Convenience isn't something Christ even considers. His love for us supersedes any thoughts for His own welfare.

The words, "...as I have loved you" pricked my heart. Was I not willing to show love as Christ would have me do?  In the next moment I bowed my head at my desk and prayed for His forgiveness. Then, I asked my co-worker if she would like a ride to work in the morning and she gratefully accepted.

As I continue on the path that God has set before me, I welcome the Potter's hands upon me.  I have a long way to go, but each day I am thankful that He is shaping this lump of clay into the woman He desires for me to be. "And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand" (Isaiah 64:8, NLT). Thank you, Father! I praise you for the lessons you teach every day! Grow me and shape me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

2 Comments

  1. Very encouraging- thanks for sharing!

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  2. Beautiful, Joan, thanks for sharing.

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