I’m pretty sure a parking lot is the place to find out how you are growing emotionally and spiritually.
Let me explain.
Near our house is a “center” where a grocery store, a CVS, Michael’s, Dollar Tree, assorted fast food places and a Starbucks all come together, plus an assortment of smaller businesses. A “quick stop shopping center” designed with convenience in mind.
Except for parking. There just aren’t enough front row spots for all of us!
What makes matters worse is everyone is there for a “quick stop” which implies not having to wait for your front row parking spot to be available.
You’d be amazed at how many times people will sit and wait for a front row spot while a “quick” left turn would take them into an entire row of parking spots. But those aren’t front row.
Isn’t that the way of the world? It’s “Me First” from our children’s mouths as they dash to get the favorite spot in the car. We want the front row parking spot; the shortest line in the store; the first to have a new tech device of all our friends; the nicest car; the biggest house; the most, the biggest and the best.
Is this what life is about?
Before you say a quick “No!” think about the parking lot. Try an experiment this week. Be aware of your response when someone zooms into the spot you were hoping to get. Notice your reaction when you have to wait longer than you expected.
There is the way of the world and then there is the Way.
The parking lot is a true test of your sanctification along the Way.
Let me know how your experiment turns out!
So funny. Just 10 minutes ago, I was in the car with my 12 year old.
I was impatient with the sloooooow driver in front of me, so impatient that I chose to turn and take a different route. Just as I was verbalizing the thought, a driver behind me was impatient with MY relaxed speed and whizzed around me, cutting me off to take a turn before I could. Again, as I start to verbalize my exasperation, I make another turn, finding myself directly behind the first annoying slow car.
My son and I had to laugh at the irony. I rhetorically asked, “why can’t everyone just drive normally?” To which my son replied, “they are both wondering the same about you, Mom.”
So good! Countless times I’ve had the mirror held up to me in similar circumstances with my boys. They’re here to help us grow and change sometimes just as much if not more than they are growing and changing! Thanks for sharing your sanctification & driving story!