Behind the scenes

I sometimes wonder what's really happening behind the scenes.

It's been almost a month since the start of classes. I've noticed that traffic gets really heavy especially in the mornings. Waiting in traffic is not a welcome routine for me. I always get agitated and irritated. But during those "waiting times", my thoughts wandered on life in general. I think God is working "behind the scenes" while I'm waiting. He's been teaching me "life lessons" while driving during heavy traffic. I'll share a couple of thoughts.

• Give others some "space" or "allowance". I'm sort of diligent in trailing the car in front of mine during traffic. Actually it's my "defensive move" to prevent other cars in cutting my lane. But as much as I want to "protect" my "space", some drivers are really brilliant in cutting your lane even with just a tiny space. This usually gets my anger level high. But God has been teaching me and reminding me that I should give "space". I will get to my destination anyway even if that car cut my lane. Giving ample space will also protect me from bumping incidents.
• Look at the mirrors as often as needed. Just as they say that you should always look forward when driving. You should also look at the mirrors (i.e. side mirror and rear-view mirror) as often as needed. The reason is pretty obvious. You need to glance at the mirrors before you make a move to your left or to your right or when going on a reverse. In life, we need to look back (just like looking at the rear-view mirror) to see how far we've come. It also helps us remember the lessons we've learned along the way. Looking at the side mirrors is like seeing how other people are doing. Care enough not to bump them. :)

From time to time, God is also reminding me to look beyond my "ordeal" (i.e. the long wait while in heavy traffic). Try to see some sceneries (if there's any). Try to look at the surroundings and who knows you might notice something that you haven't noticed when it's not traffic. This morning I have this "I didn't know there was that --" moment while looking around. I didn't know that there was a beautiful acacia tree on that cement island near SM Marikina. There's a beautiful line of Indian trees too. I was telling myself, "I'm passing this highway almost everyday and I didn't notice that?!". I must say, "Thank God for 'waiting times'."

Book excerpt

There are three categories of people in the world, and my bet is that you fall into one of them. Today, you might be what I call a "BP". You're "before pain", which means that up until this point in your life, you've been spared debilitating tragedies and heartaches. For you, God's promise in Romans 8:28 to "work for the good in all things" will be nothing more than theory. I recommend you keep this good theory nearby, nevertheless, because at some point in your life, you just might need it. Which brings me to category two.

You might be an "IP" -- someone who is "in pain" right now. In our broken world, pain will eventually find you, and when that day comes -- of if you're in the throes of pain as you read these words today -- Romans 8:28 is a lifeline, plain and simple. Our God can redeem even the darkest of days for his purposes. Without this promise, your trials and mine could feel overwhelming, and our pain could feel unbearable.

Or, perhaps you're like me, an "AP", which means you've made it over the most recent of life's painful hurdles in one piece. You're recovering and rebuilding as you navigate the waters called "after pain". For you, Romans 8:28 is a treasure. You now can see evidence of how God worked the pain for good, and as you face the prospect of future trials, something in you knows you'll make it through.

Wherever you find yourself on this continuum -- BP, IP or AP -- I encourage you to commit that Romans verse to memory. God promises goodness for your tomorrows, regardless what realities you're living through today.

--pages 125-126 THE POWER OF A WHISPER by Bill Hybels