I’m notorious at my church for car troubles.
In two separate cases over the years, I’ve experienced car troubles that forced me to drive markedly slower than the speed limit. First it was a trouble where the engine would stay reasonably cool as long as I stayed under about 55 MPH. The other instance was a weird transmission problem – if I slowed down from fourth gear, there would be a noticeable bump and my car would refuse to get back up into fourth gear. Meaning I could not travel over about 55 MPH for fear of over-rpm’ing. (I’m not a car person.)
No doubt this caused consternation for drivers behind me, especially on Montana’s many one-lane highways. Keep in mind that this is the state of “Reasonable and Prudent” fame. I can guess what was going through their minds as they stared endlessly at my tailpipe.
Probably the same thing going through my mind when I’m stuck behind an elderly person nervously counting out change in the express lane.
Or when someone at church doesn’t respond in time for a project because their family life is chaos.
Or when that student disrupted class because he was terrified of getting problems wrong and didn’t know how to admit it.
Or any number of other times when I’m inconvenienced.
“Be kind. Everyone you meet is carrying a heavy burden.” – John Watson
If we could only see what God alone sees.
Never am I more aware of this than when I’m the one inconveniencing with my burden. Now I know the patience with which I hope others treat me. I wonder how our hearts would change if we could see everyone’s burdens, like thought bubbles persisting over their heads.
John Piper recently skewered me when he asked, “When you are full to the brim, you will spill when bumped. What do people feel, acid or grace?”
I know my honest answer. On too many days I’m just keeping my mouth shut, or else I’m a beaker full of death.
But the greater tragedy is – I’m so easily bumped to begin with. Why is that? What is this unholy ledger that awakens within me when I’m blocked even temporarily from a goal? Like most adults, I hide a lot of it. But we all have areas where we’re more easily bumped than others.
I guess, in order to love, we need to be built on a solid foundation.
Lord, help us get over ourselves. Be our everything. Be our foundation, so we are not easily bumped. Fill us to the brim with your grace for the moments we’re bumped. May your Gospel shine through in our patience and kindness.
“A beaker full of death …”. Ouch. Nailed it.
Thanks, Brandon. Your wisdom and transparency humbles me.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Do you know where that quote comes from? I didn’t write it – it just fit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, where? And you’re right … it’s a great line.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s actually from Spock.
LikeLiked by 3 people
That’s awesome. It’s so Spock-like. I should have known. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This makes the patience of Jesus even more stark, doesn’t it? Who was more inconvenienced than our Lord on this earth? And yet, grace always spilled out. Blessings.
LikeLiked by 2 people
One of the saddest things is when a pastor becomes so overwhelmed that they spill mostly acid – as a pastor I see how it can happen, pastors are in a position that includes hearing the burdens of others at a rate that is higher than the average, that being said it does not become right just because there is a reason. A break to meditate on the grace I receive every day from God is a good reminder that I deserve acid from God but get grace and God has a lot more burdens to address than I do
LikeLiked by 2 people
Pastors also have front-row seats to the sins of their congregations. I would not envy them their job.
LikeLiked by 2 people
For these very reasons, I have prayerfully tried to cultivate a habit of asking myself questions when there is an irritation on the road. Because I have migraines with some ugly pre-and post-migraine symptoms and am often the one displaying annoying behavior, I begin asking myself, “What if they’ve lost a loved one today? What if they have a migraine coming, or MS, or Lyme, or epilepsy or Tourettes? What if their spouse just left them or a rebellious teen is in a dangerous situation? What if…? For me, asking myself these sorts of questions – questions I have been a part of in my own life or the lives of my family – helps remind me exactly as you said – God is so patient and forgiving with me. It helps me extend His patience to others. Amen to your prayer – I still have a long way to go on this one.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Great questions to ask, exactly where I was going with all this.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good practice. I have a long way to go too.
LikeLiked by 2 people
This post could not be more timely for me. I have a lot going on right now and I have been praying for about 24 hours that I would not spill acid in the next 48. When I am bumped while in the thick of juggling responsibilities, I just need to remember Who it is I am serving.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Glad it helped!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perfect timing! I was thinking on my run this am, “Blessed are those willing to be inconvenienced, Blessed are the flexible.” In the particular situation I was pondering, I realized It’s not enough to feign hospitality, but to actually host and give up your free time, your space, your sanctuary. Thanks for this note, I too am pierced by the words of Piper.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re welcome.
LikeLike
I used to look for the longest line in stores because I had Daddy convict me of my impatience. It went on for a couple of years before He released me.
Don’t know if that meant it worked or whether He just figured there was no sense in having me continue since I wasn’t getting it!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Who knows what he’s up to. But if you see the value, I’m guessing it worked.
LikeLike
What do others feel when they bump you? Acid or grace? Love this! Thank you Brandon for the convicting thoughts.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yeah, Piper didn’t pull his punch there!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Woah! I loved this! VERY good! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Appreciate you stopping by.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Using your car troubles as illustration was funny to me but it made sense.
Hope you’ve got a better one now.
God will certainly bless you all the way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do love my current Honda CR-V.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Brandon J. Adams and commented:
Lord, help us get over ourselves.
LikeLike
Excellent post and SO relatable!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Valerie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post Brandon, keep writing 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I plan to.
LikeLiked by 1 person