Car Trouble and examining motives....

Twice this weekend, we piled everyone in the 15 passenger van to attempt to get where we were suppose to be. Twice, we ended up stranded alongside the road with a dead vehicle. We are thankful that it was only 20 degrees as opposed to subzero temps that we are accustomed to here in Minnesota. We are thankful that we were able to get the help that we needed without having to pile everyone out of the van in the cold. That would have been a nightmare. Even when the tow truck man came, he hooked up the van without us ever having to leave the cool, but not cold, interior.
And twice this weekend, I felt like there were lessons to be learned in our experiences. First, it reminded me of how thankful I am that we have our basic needs met...and that this fact does not have anything to do with us and who we are or what we have done. I don't want to be trite in my quick response to God's provision. I am so thankful that he has taken care of our needs...yes, but for those right now in Haiti who feel like God has lost sight of them, I will make no claim to understanding the whys and why nots of His ultimate plan. For our experiences and God's Word have taught us, that it is often those who have nothing to cling to except their Savior that see Jesus so much more clearly than those of us who live in comfort. And for this lesson I am thankful.
Today, as we were heading to Church, I was reminded of my human nature again so directly. I wanted to get to Church...I looked forward to worshiping with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I looked forward to hearing the portion of the sermon that was uninterrupted by the rhythmic humming of our son with autism. I was disappointed that we had missed our chance to get to Church because of car trouble yet again. But, I was reminded of the other things that bothered me about missing Church. I wanted to make it there so that kids made it to Sunday School and that the teachers would not think poorly of us because we had to miss another Sunday. I want people to see us as faithful, committed Christians--not the kind that only make it occasionally for whatever reason. I am so thankful that my behavior and motivation here on earth does not determine my future with our Lord. I would fail so miserably..at every turn. We all would...
I love the way that the Lord teaches us His lessons when we least expect them. He uses our life experiences to teach us in such unexpected ways. My prayer is that I would listen to His voice when He speaks in my life...that my ears would be open and my eyes be focused in His direction. I have so much to learn and He never stops teaching...