Perhaps you are waking to these words on a Monday morning. Today is full of opportunity. This day is a gift. You have been given the gift of today. Whatever happened yesterday? That is the past. Today is fresh and His mercies are new this morning. Today is an opportunity to love. It is an opportunity to show this hurting world the goodness of Jesus.
The highway? The four-way-stop? The crosswalk? Your first opportunity to love another human being may be behind the wheel of your car this morning. Will you seize the opportunity to act as Jesus would act?
You have a choice. You can begin this day with entitlement, frustration, pride, selfish ambition, and anger. We call this “road rage.” I’m going to guess you won’t be adding much to anyone’s joy with that kind of approach, but that is one of two options.
Your other option? Sweet friend, may we see the opportunity to bless someone’s morning with a smiling face. May we choose the gift of patience over the selfish hurry. May we pause to wave at the crossing guards outside the elementary school. May we thank the men in the trash truck around our neighborhoods. May we be the first to offer the friendly smiles to strangers. May we slow for the one who seems hurried, always aware that the seemingly wreckless have a story and a destination that we know little about.
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.”
~Phillipians 1:27
If we are to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ, how would Jesus Christ act in our shoes, in our car, in our commute? We must ask ourselves these questions. It isn’t enough to follow Jesus in our daily habitats, but we must follow Jesus every mile of the journey as well. We are to live as ambassadors of Heaven. May our actions behind the wheel usher others into the Holy presence of Jesus.
As we strive to live as followers of Jesus, our call is a calling to Missional Living wherever we go. May we never forget the impact we have on the life of another soul when we choose patience, kindness, gentleness, and a warm smile.
Before we even reach the destination today, we can choose to spread joy in the journey!
Choose to live like Jesus behind the wheel this morning.
From my heart to yours, ~Courtney
P.S. Friends, I find it so much easier to focus on Jesus in the car when I listen to music that points me toward Him. If road rage or depression are struggles for you in the morning, let me encourage you to find the Christian radio station or a CD that points you to the love of Jesus. I love Contemporary Christian music at the beginning of a new day. If you don’t have a station, perhaps you can invest in a few CDs or use your auxilary cable to stream worship music into your vehicle. Whatever it takes, focus on Him! The world looks completely different when the internal soundtrack in my own mind and ears is set to the sounds of worship. May your week be an opportunity to share joy wherever you go! Let your light shine!!!
I love christian radio stations.I listen to Air one on I heart radio.
YES!!! I agree, Margaret! I love the Pandora stations of Rend Collective, Kari Jobe, Laura Story, Chris Tomlin, Steven Curtis Chapman, and so many more!