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April 28,
2006
I made it within 1 1/2 miles of the service station on my way to school
board yesterday. It wasn’t close enough though, and Kelly kindly
rescued me with a can of gas. She’s been great about it and only
mentioned it 5 or 6 times this morning.
As I sat in the car along the shoulder of Hwy 29, I knew I had better
be able to find some lesson from this experience. I tried to put the
anxiety out of my mind. I was late for a principal interview at the
school. I don’t like being late – ironically, that’s
why I hadn’t stopped at the gas station when leaving town.
So I rolled down the window, felt the fresh air and listened to the
cheerful calls of the red-winged blackbirds. I took in the sunshine
and blue sky and kicked myself for being too optimistic. I was genuinely
surprised I hadn’t been able to drive 15 miles with the low indicator
on.
Then I pulled my mind back to the quiet and the blessings. I took out
my computer and started a document for the evening’s board. I
meditated on Revelation 11 for tomorrow’s sermon. I fretted about
the time. I practiced thinking the truth.
Truth has been a major focus with the depression recovery seminar in
Sonoma. Dr. Nedley has reinforced this principal almost every week.
I acknowledged my disappointment and frustration, but I also was extremely
thankful that Kelly had been driving through town on her way home from
work and was willing and available to buy a gas can and some gas for
me and then deliver it.
The committee could function just fine without me. (It turned out that
they also started very late so I missed just 10 minutes of the interview)
I wasn’t in an accident. This was a piece of cake. I’ll
just pay much closer attention to the gas gauge.
The truth sets us free. Actually Jesus said that knowing the truth will
set us free. I’m working very consciously for this goal. I understand
how easily I distort truth so that my thoughts oppress me. I know that
every time truth rules my mind, freedom triumphs. He wants me to find
myself in Him.
“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you
abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the
truth, and the truth shall make you free.’” John 8:31-32
Be at peace,
Pastor Steve
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