This weeks devotional is about the Paluxy Bridge on 144 south. For years, I had to drive to work and many mornings if I didn’t leave on time, I’d get stuck back near David’s Supermarket waiting in line to cross the bridge and get to the stop sign on the square. I would see the cars ahead and start grumbling about it. Then, I’d see the people turning left or right to cut in front of people and save themselves a couple of minutes by entering further down the traffic line to unknowing people who let them in thinking they lived down those roads, when they were just cutting in line – I’d grumble about that too. But, here’s the thing about that traffic.. It’s nothing. When I lived in Irving, I spent 2 hours some mornings going 10 miles on 635. It was ridiculous. Even with the wait, once you get to the other side of the Paluxy Bridge, you feel like you’re almost there.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians, “Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.” (Philippians 2:14-16)
James, the half brother of Jesus, said “Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.” (James 5:9)
Scripture is always right. I love that when I read scripture, I feel convicted. Sometimes, it hurts. Sometimes, really bad. But, I know it’s just God molding me to be who He wants me to be. Like in this video:
Perhaps the next time I’m waiting in a line of traffic, rather than grumbling, I can use it for prayer. I can pray for the person in front of me who might have had a bad morning getting kids ready for school and they’re already running late. It could feel like the last straw before they lose their job. Pray for the person behind you that may have a broken A/C in their car and it’s hot, and they’re starting to sweat sitting still, and they really don’t want to go to work all sweaty and smelly. You don’t know what’s going on. Perhaps instead of cursing the car that takes a shortcut, we pray for that person to grow in the virtue of patience. Maybe we pray for the people both in front and behind us to know Jesus or have a deeper knowledge and trust with Him.
Pray that whoever the powers that be will continually work hard to get in the NEW bridge somewhere else to ease up the traffic congestion. Pray that they make wise decisions. That the engineers make no mistakes. That they choose the correct spot that will benefit everyone. Pray for all of the future workers safety.
Perhaps, on those mornings, as you wait in line, you can turn on some worship music and just soak in the worshipful lyrics on the radio, or if you’re bold enough to be *that* person, sing along loudly with your windows down. It will give people around you a chuckle! Maybe take their mind off their woes for a bit.
Maybe, instead of grumbling, I could call my wife and tell her I love her and ask her how I can pray for her that morning. Maybe call one of my kids and tell them to have a good day in school. I could do anything besides grumbling.
The psalmist wrote, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)
Remember to REJOICE and be glad even in the traffic congestion! An attitude of gratitude goes a long way!
God bless each and every one of you who read this. I’m praying for YOU! Please pray for me!
Cornerstone Christian Fellowship Church
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