Surviving Rush Hour

photo © 2009 versageek | more info (via: Wylio)

Last week, I had the "privilege" of driving in morning and afternoon rush hour to cart Nathan to and from piano camp. I was supposed to take Ben to golf camp in the city -- same week to save myself some driving -- but he got sick. Instead, I'm driving him this week. (Thankful that the NCSU Golf School was willing to change his camp without added cost. Not thankful that I'm driving in rush hour traffic again.) Yep, another week of back and forth driving to the city. During rush hour.

God can teach a lot to a captive audience in such a situation. He spoke clearly last week, "Stay in your lane, Karen. Just stay in your lane."

Have you noticed how some people zig this way and zag that way, trying to get ahead? I'm talking about drivers here -- they switch lanes non-stop. The "lucky" ones move ahead three or four cars, but that's about it. They just think they're going somewhere. I must admit that I enjoy watching these guys get busted for speeding! I'm not very nice.

Sane drivers stay in their lane. Sometimes they move a little faster. Sometimes they slow down. They move steadily to their destination. With a lot less stress! I learned this lesson quickly -- and spared myself a lot of stress and tension.

That's when God spoke in that sweet whisper, "Stay in your lane. It's true for life, my sweet child." You see, I want to rush ahead. For years, I've patiently (okay, not so patiently) supported my husband, raised my kids and served God in my church. I want to start my life now. Yep, now would be good.

Others pass me by -- in the fast lane. Why not me?

Why not me? Wrong question!

Instead, I should be asking, "What else, God?" What else can I learn? What else do you want me to understand? What else should I do, God, while I wait? 

God's got a good and pleasing plan for my life. I know it's true! His word says, "I know the plans I have for you... plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11). Just like a driver who stays sane in rush hour, I need to stay in my lane and focus on the goal -- God's plan. His vision. His destination. 

It's true in rush hour. It's true in life.

Praying for a Military Hero

Dear friends,
Please join me today in praying for the family of Mark Bradley, a fallen soldier whose funeral is today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_4TRFGppjU&feature=share

Father God,

Please be with Samantha, Mark's wife, and all of Mark's family and friends as they say "good-bye." Please fill them with your peace. May Your Comfort fill the empty places in their hearts. God, help them to know that their sacrifice -- Mark's and theirs -- is appreciated. We will not forget their sacrifice for our freedom.

In your Son's name,

Amen

Psalm 37:3

Trust in the LORD and do good. 
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.

Psalm 37:3

As I prepare to attend my first She Speaks conference, I wonder if I'm finally on my way to my destiny? My heart longs to share God's truth with other women. I hope and pray God will use my life experience to encourage others. You can overcome depression. You can break the chains. You can become more than you ever thought you would be... Just trust in Him. Let go of you. Take the plunge.

I'm 45 and still trying to figure it out. It's not always easy to wait. Or wonder.

My son is seventeen. One short year from now, he'll be packing bags and boxes, preparing for that big step into college. He shares my questions. What's the plan, Mom? Do you think I'd do well with this? What did you think I would become (when I was seven)? Does it help to hear that I'm still not sure what I want to be when I grow up? There's just so much to choose -- so many things to do.

My prayer today, Nathan, is that you will trust God in the journey. Whether you choose one career like Daddy or my more circuitous path, I pray you will simply TRUST. Take the next step confidently. Don't look too far down the road. And while you're trusting, do good. Make a difference. Encourage others. Share your love of God. Rejoice in the journey. Let God lead you wherever He wants you to go and know. This is God's plan for you. In His Name I pray. Amen