Speed Demon

Driving with my mom to Dallas this weekend, I was riding cushy in the drivers seat of the new Camry she rented. I must admit the luxury feel of the car and the open road had me feeling some kind of way about my Corolla. Trade in? I don't know but that bad boy rode so smooth. Before I knew it I had easily cruised up to about 90mph on accident. I caught myself and quickly slowed down. After all "the block was hot" (cops were on the prowl).

About 45 minutes into our trip, I realized I was in the passing (left) lane and it occurred to me that I prefer the left lane because I'd rather NOT be behind other people when I'm driving. I hate the feeling of being constrained to go as slow as they may be traveling. I find it hard to bring myself to contently drive in the right lane behind other drivers, even if it is AT THE SPEED LIMIT! I've been aware of my slight case of road rage (I may be in subtle denial) but I was keenly aware of my "heavy foot" at this moment.

Upon this realization, I committed myself to move to the right lane and control my speed by submitting to the freedom of the other limits of the speed. So I began driving behind an SUV that was coasting along at a comfortable speed. Rather than getting impatient, jumping into the passing lane and attempting to get as close to the maximum limit I could go, I just enjoyed the ride. As I passed 8 (count them) highway patrol officers pulling other vehicles over, I experienced the safety, freedom and lack of anxiety that comes with following the laws.

 This reality (and slight discomfort) woke me up to my own personal life. I often live in the "left lane" in life...preferring to make my own path and not be confound to the pace of other people (even other Believers). Although I am committed to knowing God more by learning what He desires of me, my flesh (road rage) often encourages me to test the loving boundaries (speed limit) I find in His Word.

The Holy Spirit reminded me that He is the vehicle in the right lane that drives within the limits God has set and there is freedom, safety and no reason to fear chastisement (being pulled over) when I am willing to submit myself to contently drive behind Him. Allowing Him to control my pace takes a commitment to patience, self-control and submission but I can truly enjoy the life God has purposed for me (the ride) if I do so.

"I’ll put my Spirit in you and make it possible for you to do what I tell you and live by my commands." ~Ezekiel 36:27

Allergic Reaction

Our Immune system is an amazing mechanism. It's hand crafted and personally designed to detect damaging agents that can attempt to destroy our bodies, and try to fix or ward off against them.  Allergens are the little agents that infiltrate our bodies (whether by food, inhalation or skin contact). It's simply a substance recognized by the body's immune system.

Allergic attacks that you and I experience are simply a sensitivity to these allergens. Allergens such as peanuts, perfume and pollen aren't bad in and of themselves, but how our bodies react or respond to them is vital. During my allergy attacks, my sight is blurred, my senses are down, and I'm not myself.

Emotions are real. The way we are designed internally is not a mistake. It's hand crafted and "perfect".

'You are fearfully and wonderfully made, Your works are wonderful..." ~Psalm 139:14

Naturally, our pride tries to ward off against any 'allergens' that attempts to attack our emotions. Allergens often present themselves through people who enter our lives and even the ways we are treated by people who interact with us. People and their behaviors (in and of themselves) aren't necessarily harmful. He knows and understands that people can and will do things that will trigger our emotions. How we respond to these "allergens" is what we should be watchful of.

I'm the kind of person who gets all in my feelings. I start feeling some kind of way when people

either do things to me or walk out of my life (intentionally or unintentionally). I can easily go through a roller coaster of emotions within the span of a few hours by simply playing out in my head how wrong they were and how sorry they'll be for treating me the way they did. They may never know I felt mistreated by them, nor realize what they've done was offensive to me. Like my immune system, my defenses activate and I immediately try to protect myself from these allergens.

I get moody, I shut down, I ignore. Just as passive aggressive as I want to be! I'm not sure how you react to these types of behaviors, but our reaction to circumstances is critical because God has purpose in everything that He both DOES and ALLOWS. I've learned that it's selfish of me to internalize the words and deeds of other people; prideful even, to believe that I'm at the center of every persons actions. There's a much bigger picture at stake. Love is that picture. It's the purpose.

"A sound mind makes for a robust body, but runaway emotions corrode the bones." Proverbs 14:30

Emotions can distract us from the purpose. I'm learning that people will make their decisions, but that doesn't give me reason to respond from my emotions.  People have a right to leave our lives, and if so, then they were there for a greater reason and I should seek what was meant to be learned. My emotional fluctuation is as detrimental as an allergy attack because it can blur my purpose to love others uncompromisingly. 1 Corinthians 7 admonishes us to manage our emotions and desires.

So what Zyrtec am I allowing to infiltrate my spiritual system? I reflect on how strategically God loves on me despite how frequently I mistreat and 'abandon' Him. This antihistamine prompts me to jump out of my feelings; it clears up my sight and it allows me to see the immediate purpose of the situation- LOVE.