If I were to give my best friend, Byron a ride to work this morning, I would have moved my gym bag and the box of pasta from the front seat, hugged him, and started a conversation. I would have asked how the kids are doing. I would have asked about work. I might have ribbed him a little about his new girlfriend. I would have told him some stories about Jacks and Arden. We would have laughed and talked about the upcoming day's events and challenges. When we reached our destination I would have hugged him again, told him I love him, and then I would say something entirely Jackson, like, I hope your day sucks, or have a mediocre day. And he'd roll his eyes and mumble "Bana Mahna." And we'd part ways singing the muppet song.
Now humor me here for a moment. What if, instead of Byron asking for a ride to work, it was someone else? What if God called and asked me to bring him to work this morning. I would jump at the opportunity to have the Lord in my car. Holy Muffins! The day before I would empty my car of all the trash, clothes and kids stuff. I'd take it through the carwash, vacuum it out, and even spray three dollars worth of that new car mist. I would arrive early, but not so early to be a nuisance. I would wonder... do I hug God as he gets in the car? I mean, you don't exactly hug the Queen... but this is God. He knows everything about me and still loves me, and as far as I'm concerned that deserves a hug. Sheesh. I'm overthinking this, I would think to myself. I'd ask about the kids and about work. But I would feel much more inclined to ask if there is anything I can do for him. I mean, the work of the Lord seems much more overwhelming to me than the work of my friend. (No offense, B. We both know I couldn't do your job.) But here, instead of telling him about my kids or the challenges my day presents, I would have so many questions. And really, how often will I have the Lord Almighty trapped in my car with nothing to do but answer my questions. But then, I think perhaps he called me because he knows that I know that he can't really answer all my questions, and maybe he thought I would be understanding and not pester him too much. So I decide to keep the conversation somewhat light. But I do say, "Lord, I know you have a plan for me, and some days I feel so far from the path. Can you give me some insight to where I should be heading?" And the Lord would share with me the parable about the man he asked to push a stone with all his might.
The man tried hard everyday to move the stone. He pushed and pushed with all his strength, but just couldn't get the stone to move, not even a little. The man felt helpless and defeated and he called out to God, asking why he would give him a task he couldn't complete. And God said to him, look at your arms, chest and back. See how strong they've become. Look at the muscles in your legs.
Through opposition the man had grown and could do things that far surpassed what he had been able to do before. His calling was not to move the rock, but simply to push with all his might. He had done just as God intended, but felt like he had failed because of the expectations he placed on himself.
So, perhaps I need to place less expectations on myself and simply do what is asked of me. I would sit quietly for a moment and ponder this, but no too long. I wouldn't want to waste what little time I have left with God in the car. I would tell him a joke, share Jack and Arden stories. I would talk about my mom, and thank him... for so many things. Then when we arrived to work, I would hug him and tell him I love him. I'm not sure I tell God I love him enough. Showing him with my actions is wonderful, but sometimes we need to hear those words. And as we parted ways I would say something entirely Byron, like "Have a Super-Fantastic day!"
As He walked away, I would probably cry, because well... I'm a girl, and exactly how often do you give the Lord a ride to work? And as I walked away, I would whisper a silent prayer, thanking him for the opportunity to spend that time with him, and telling him that I'm happy to do it again anytime.
