What do I want for Christmas today?
I want to always drive safely, and legally, and drive with headlights on when safety requires it; like when it is near dark, when it is cloudy, when it is raining, snowing, foggy with sunlight or without it; and at night in the dark.
When you are driving on our Highways: Please let your light [from your car or truck at least] be seen by others. Even some law enforcement officials need to learn this.
What do I want for Christmas?
With the onset of cell phones, texting, and such I want all of us to be more aware of the distraction, while driving an automobile that these devices cause; and make a personal change in behavior, and use of them while driving.
Last afternoon on the way home I encountered an individual, driving the opposite direction, coming across into my lane, headed for me, and it was while he was talking on his phone. He did manage to get it back in the right lane, before…
Realize that you are not attached to that phone. You have control of it; not it control of you. Remember, also, that you do not have to answer every text or call immediately. Right? Right. Your life does not exist in your phone.
And He said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” Luke 12:15 (KJV)
That includes cell phones, Ipads, Iphones, notebooks, etc.
What do I want for Christmas?
I want to be on the roads, and highways where everyone is paying attention to their driving; aware and awake to all that is around us; and in that I am speaking of driving ahead of yourself. You cannot do that with your eyes on a cell phone, texting, and sometimes even in talking on one, finishing your face prep for work, reading a paper online or otherwise; etc..
I want to be a better, safer driver, so that others can be safe and get home whole and sound of mind.
Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.” Proverbs 4:25 (KJV)
That verse is true for all of life; including driving.
What do I want for Christmas?
Many of you who read this blog knows that I drive a School Bus as well as being a pastor of a Country Church. I have a pet peeve that really bothers me while I am driving the bus, and our own vehicles so my “want” for today is because of that “Pet peeve”.
I want people who are out driving in the early morning, just before sunrise, to drive with your headlights on. Do you realize that you are not visible at times, and a good driver makes herself/himself as visible as possible. I want you to be visible, be seen, in order that you and others might make it to work, and then home again in one piece.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (KJV)
Even Jesus said “Let your light so shine”.
“Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God? Thou art the God that doest wonders: Thou hast declared Thy strength among the people. Thou hast with Thine arm redeemed Thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.” Psalm 77:13-15 (KJV)
This Psalmist, Asaph, has begun the Psalm feeling a bit sorry for himself. His thoughts are on his own life situation, and he is addressing the LORD, but only about his aches and pains of heart and soul. That is the place we all need to take them; but when we have encountered God those thoughts, attitudes will perish.
You alone are in charge of your attitude. It begins with your thoughts. If you are driving to work on one of these busy freeways in the cities, and someone rudely cuts you off; when the traffic is moving quite well; you say, “That affects my attitude”; but does it? It can. It is however your personal responsibility to redirect your thinking toward a different attitude.
The Psalmist began with sorrow, and basically a pity party with God; but he ended up focusing on the LORD; and he saw things completely different.
Asaph began to focus his thoughts on the strength of God; His deliverance of Israel from Egypt, the crossing of the Red Sea; and he saw the awesome, power and glory of God. In the verses ending this Psalm, the Psalmist describes the sea as being fearful of the LORD and parting at His appearance. He describes thunder, lightening, and trembling and shaking of the earth.
Oh my; when we see the power and glory of God all our problems melt away. Our thinking and our attitudes will reflect the glory of the LORD. All this begins with having a personal encounter with God through His Son Jesus. There is no other way (John 14:6). There is only one cross, one Saviour, one resurrected Lord, and one returning Lord of lords and King of kings. His name is Jesus.
So what is your problem today?
I found this in PreachingNow weekly e-newsletter.
Accept that some days you’re the pigeon, and some days you’re the statue.
Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.
Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.
Drive carefully. It’s not only cars that can be recalled by their maker.
If you can’t be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to be kind to others.
Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won’t have a leg to stand on.
It’s the second mouse that gets the cheese.
When everything’s coming your way, you’re in the wrong lane.
Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
We could learn a lot from crayons–some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, and some have weird names, but they all have to live in the same box.
A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
Have a great weekend, and especially on Sunday join with brothers and sisters in your local church and worship the Lord.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Fire and Hammer 