"Welcome to my blog space. I believe that God has carefully placed gems in our paths to fill our days with joy. The challenge for us is to take the time to notice them. My desire is to share the gems in my life so that, hopefully, you will see the ones He's placed in yours. I hope what you read here will be worth your time and you'll want to return often." - Cathy

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Is that Stop Sign Moving?


Huge windows covering two-thirds of each wall gave me a panoramic view of the scenery outside as I ate lunch in the Japanese restaurant. The scene was full of life – people moving here and there, mountains, a school yard, industry, a gas station – most of which I wasn’t noticing because I was eating with a dear friend, my granddaughter and my great granddaughter. 
But then, out of the corner of my eye, something caught my attention. Was that what I thought it was, a stop sign moving down the road? A small hill blocked out all but the sign itself. The sign appeared to float toward us. I blinked my eyes and it was still there. I asked the other girls at the table, “Is that a stop sign?” Just about then the Department of Transportation utility truck carrying the sign high and proud above its cab moved into the picture and everything was explained.
This incident reminded me of another moving stop sign from years ago. My Daddy, an Irishman who loved his ale, had stopped at the corner bar after work. As he headed home, he dead centered a stop sign, leaving the indentation of the metal post from the grill to the window. The next day Daddy told Larry (later to become my husband), “Larry, I don’t know what happened. That stop sign just jumped out and hit me.”
What might God be telling me through these two stories? What is the function of a stop sign? A stop sign says to me, “This is as far as you can go without stopping to assess the road ahead.” A stop sign presents a choice – be lawful and come to a complete stop (obedience), don’t stop at all and suffer the consequences (disrespect for the law, myself and others), or pretend I’m going to stop and then roll through the stop sign at the last second (hypocrisy, trying to fool myself and others).
A moving stop sign is of no use at all. It brings confusion. Child psychologists say that it is important for children to know their boundaries. Though they may try to push the limits, when the limits are enforced it gives children a sense of comfort and security. In the adult world, pushing our boundaries farther out, one bad decision at a time, soon brings disorder and destruction similar to a wreck caused from running a stop sign. Can you imagine the chaos in a world with no stop signs?
Thankfully, God has placed the Holy Spirit within me to whisper warnings to me when I get close to stepping over the line. Just as if I were pulling up to a stop sign, I have choices. Obedience is always the right choice and brings me joy. I don’t always make the right choice, but I know what my choices are. When the options seem constricting, Holy Spirit nudges me again with the truth that God has my best interest at heart and His way is always the best way.
God gives each of us boundaries. How do you respond to His boundaries for you?
Look for the joy in your world today-
Cathy

8 comments:

  1. We ought to have lunch more often so you can get more ideas...lol!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That works for me! Thanks for your support and encouragement.

      Delete
  2. Wonderfully told experience. Nice way you relayed it to our walk with God. As His child, I appreciate his boundaries.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Holly! So glad you stopped by and told me how you feel about God's boundaries for you. God's best to you!

      Delete
  3. His boundaries have always kept me safe. Even before I was a follower of Jesus I had others in my life who were Christians who showed me boundaries. I'm grateful for them now!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And that is what they are inteded to do. God knows us so much better than we know ourselves. He is faithful to guide and keep us safe. In the end, the choice is ours, but His desire is that we listen to Him and obey. Blessings on you today!

      Delete
  4. Great post, Cathy. In my mind I kept hearing the Supremes singing, "Stop! In the name of love." LOL! But, isn't that the truth? It is God's love for us that gives us boundaries and it is our love for Him that causes us to trust and obey.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is funny - I did the same thing! Must be great minds thinking alike. Love your comment. Thanks for sharing with us. Blessings!

      Delete