lessons from the road... (and the middle finger)

Oh, the many thoughts and realizations I've had from the drivers seat of my car. 

Often small scale situations can shed light on bigger scale phenomenons.

Consider how many life applications there are in simple road directions...

STOP.

YIELD.

GO.

But, today's contemplation turned to the simple-yet-grand theme of forgiveness after a fellow driver felt it necessary to flip me off. Now, even though I feel his reaction was completely uncalled for, I won't lie and say that my verbal retort was full of grace - because it wasn't! But, I quickly caught myself reducing to his level of vulgar immaturity, and I changed my tune, trying to reposition my heart and started thinking... 

Sometimes "forgiveness" seems grand, complex and complicated. 

Sometimes it can even take a while for our pride to come down so we can admit that we've been wounded and even need to forgive. 

Whether it's the person you trusted your heart to who left; 

or the old friend who will never know the pain they inflicted; or just the random stranger who flipped you off for no-good-reason...the answer still seems to be the same. 
Let. it. go.

The process may look different, but the choice and the end result are the same. 

The attitude of many drivers reminds me of the mindset we often drive through life with, an "I have the right-of-way!" mentality.

We drive with the attitude that we are right and that we and others should get what we deserve. 

While life quickly teaches us that the road is not fair, grace teaches us that we, in fact, get so much more than what we deserve... 

So... forgiveness. 

While I feel like I've been given opportunities aplenty to practice,

I'm no pro at it.  

But, when I keep the sacrifice of Jesus in the forefront of my sight, how can withhold forgiveness from anyone?

Sometimes forgiveness does seem so complicated-twisted up in "whys?" and "hows?"

The healing takes time, but when forgiveness takes place, the road opens up the path to freedom.

vaya con Dios, my sojourners!

a prologue

The feeling is akin to waiting at the edge of an open airplane. Waiting to jump.

I stand, getting pumped-up to go, then sit, contemplating easing my way out. Like dropping into a pool with your legs already in the water. Even tho waiting has both abated and increased my anticipation, I know that regardless of sitting or standing-the moment I push off-everything changes. 

I know it's going to happen; I'm going to take the leap.

I am scared of the fall. 

My heart is beating loudly, but it simultaneously feels like it's on pause.
The sensation of weightlessness for a moment. 
Shock, suspension, exhilaration, relief - only for a moment. 

I'll either fly or fall. Hard.

I've tried to tell myself that either way I'll be fine. 
But, I know that's not truth. 
N o t h i n g    w i l l     b e   t h e   s a m e.