Jimmy

In his rear view mirror, Jimmy watched the speeding car weave in and out of traffic. As the car approached him, Jimmy recognized the other vehicle and when it was right in back of him, Jimmy slammed on his brakes. In his rear view mirror, he watched the other car come to a screeching halt. By watching the lips, facial expression, and gestures of the driver behind him, Jimmy was certain that the driver behind him was irate. Jimmy then turned around and pointed his finger at the driver in back of him. When the driver saw Jimmy, his jaw dropped, his facial expression changed, and he drove around Jimmy and sped off. When Jimmy’s son recognized his father, he had an abrupt change in his attitude.

I laughed when I heard this story and like so many of Jesus’ parables, I saw myself in the story. Cruising through life, I often find myself in a place where I become irritated, frustrated, angry, or indignant with others. Often, while I am throwing a hissy-fit or breathing murderous threats, I hear the words, “Whatever you’ve done to these, you’ve done to Me” (Matthew 25:31-46), or “If you forgive, your heavenly Father will forgive you” (Matthew 6:14). These words force me to put on the brakes and to come to a stand still, knowing that the Father is watching me. And even though I know that He accepts and loves me, during these times I find it hard to look into my Father’s eyes, much less go to Him.

As I understand the story, Jimmy’s son did not come home for a few days. It’s my prayer that the LORD will grant me humility so that I will never leave “home” and always be quick to repent.