I shall never cease to be amazed at what lives inside me. Next to the magnificent and intricate innerworkings of my human body lies the center of all things wicked- my sinful self. How utterly disheartening.
It has been lately, through a variety of God ordained happenings, that I've found my own sinful self illuminated like an x-ray. I stare in horrid fascination at the image- seeing depravity is cause for wonderment at God's love and mercy. Depravity in the shape of a red Buick.
Let me explain...
It was a drive home from town. A drive home on a two lane road at five o'clock in the evening with ice cream on the seat beside me and eight cars in front of me.
We moved along at a fairly good clip, for which I was glad; en route to birthday party that was shortly to begin. Fashionably late doesn't work with a set table and steaks resting in grilled juices. Never mind that I waited to purchase the gift until the 11th hour...
Two lanes widen into four around the stoplight a few miles north of town and I was pleased to see the line of cars stay in order as we slowed for the red. The two cars behind me still there.
The wait was short and the light was green. Like an inchworm we slowly resumed our procession and then, wait! The red Buick in the rear charged forward and toward the front of the line. Lanes narrowed and I watched as he slunk back into line (without signaling!!!) just behind the leader, who paced with leisure, and right in front of number two, who obviously did not appreciate the intrusion.
I am quite ashamed to admit that my feelings toward Mr. red Buick were not particularly cordial. How dare he cut ahead and make the line behind even slower. Serves him right to be tailgated mercilessly.
I was counting his offenses in the darkness when God pulled the string and the lightbulb burned bright. The depth of my depravity clearly on display. The red Buick simply played out a scene my heart could write of itself.
The line was more visible as we drove around the turkey farm curves. Mr. Red Buick hung tight to the leisurely leader all the while followed veery closely by Mr. Pickup. Red Buick tapped his brakes in warning. Mr. Pickup did not falter.
In the ugliness of sin- grace is beautiful.
How good- God. To illuminate our darkness with light, not to shame but to tenderly cover our nakedness with robes of righteousness.
Where I see depravity, He gives love. Love greater than my dirty red Buick.
It has been lately, through a variety of God ordained happenings, that I've found my own sinful self illuminated like an x-ray. I stare in horrid fascination at the image- seeing depravity is cause for wonderment at God's love and mercy. Depravity in the shape of a red Buick.
Let me explain...
It was a drive home from town. A drive home on a two lane road at five o'clock in the evening with ice cream on the seat beside me and eight cars in front of me.
We moved along at a fairly good clip, for which I was glad; en route to birthday party that was shortly to begin. Fashionably late doesn't work with a set table and steaks resting in grilled juices. Never mind that I waited to purchase the gift until the 11th hour...
Two lanes widen into four around the stoplight a few miles north of town and I was pleased to see the line of cars stay in order as we slowed for the red. The two cars behind me still there.
The wait was short and the light was green. Like an inchworm we slowly resumed our procession and then, wait! The red Buick in the rear charged forward and toward the front of the line. Lanes narrowed and I watched as he slunk back into line (without signaling!!!) just behind the leader, who paced with leisure, and right in front of number two, who obviously did not appreciate the intrusion.
I am quite ashamed to admit that my feelings toward Mr. red Buick were not particularly cordial. How dare he cut ahead and make the line behind even slower. Serves him right to be tailgated mercilessly.
I was counting his offenses in the darkness when God pulled the string and the lightbulb burned bright. The depth of my depravity clearly on display. The red Buick simply played out a scene my heart could write of itself.
The line was more visible as we drove around the turkey farm curves. Mr. Red Buick hung tight to the leisurely leader all the while followed veery closely by Mr. Pickup. Red Buick tapped his brakes in warning. Mr. Pickup did not falter.
In the ugliness of sin- grace is beautiful.
How good- God. To illuminate our darkness with light, not to shame but to tenderly cover our nakedness with robes of righteousness.
Where I see depravity, He gives love. Love greater than my dirty red Buick.
