Green Light Livin’
It had been a stressful 24 hours with my husband on a liquid diet for a procedure. Then driving him to the hospital in the early morning hours. Finally it was over and all aspects were successful. We began the two mile drive to our favorite eatery about two miles away.
Suddenly I realized that every traffic light was green as we sped down busy Walnut Street. At first, I was puzzled, not believing my eyes. Then I laughed out loud. I could feel God smiling. He knew we were exhausted and He provided green lights all the way. I praised God for His goodness.
Then I realized a correlation between the green traffic lights and living in this world. How many times has there been a spiritual traffic light that I ignored or didn’t even recognize? Caution – the Holy Spirits warns me about a decision, a direction or a relationship? How many times has the Red Light Door slammed in my face, curtailing a plan that I have made? Green Light Livin’ is following my Lord as He guides my life.
When my parents debated about moving from Clinton to Watonga in Oklahoma, they prayed. The rural mail carrier job in Watonga seemed like a dream for Dad. Was this where God wanted them to go? After the move, doubt filled their hearts as testing was presented to Dad on the route. The nails left at each mail box for the previous mail carrier caused continual flats. The cost of a car in the economy of 1945 trimmed our budget further. These and other difficulties tested their faith. They prayed continually and into the night as they searched their hearts.
Soon the Green Light Livin’ became more intense and they knew they had made the decision with God’s blessing. They developed close relationships with the patrons on the Rural Mail Route. They became an integral part of their new church home through their gifts of teaching and music. They created a small garden oasis of fruit trees, vegetables and flowers where they retreated to refresh their hearts.
Going back several generations to my grandparents and great grandparents, I realized all the changes and hardships they endured – immigration, crop failure, living in a sod house in the ‘new world’. Yet, their faith and trust in God continued to grow. They relationship with our Father in Heaven gave them strength and courage. They understood Green Light Livin’ before the advent of green lights that we take for granted.
Long ago the Children of Israel traversed the wilderness. Their Green Light was a Cloud during the Day and and a Pillar of Fire during the Night. Yet their response to a caring, loving God was grumbling and griping about what they had to eat, drink and the endless travel.
Following the will of God in this life leads to Green Light Livin’. It erases from your mind and heart the words such as “If only…”, “I can’t”, “I won’t” or “I hate you!” It replaces these words with “Thank you!”, “You are a blessing.” “Praise God!” and “I love you.”
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe – Hebrews 12:28
Green Light Livin’ is ‘Yes’ Livin’. Looking always on how to serve others, for in doing so, we serve our Father in Heaven. One of my favorite songs contains these lyrics, “Yes, Lord, Yes, Lord, Yes, Yes, Yes!”
Green Light Livin’ is living expectantly for the coming of Jesus Christ. That is living in faith and trust. No matter how weary we are, hope and peace comes into our hearts through waiting each day for His Coming.
Green Light Livin’ is seeing the handiwork of God all around us, his creation and praising and thanking Him for His goodness. Counting blessings, each moment of the day for the little things makes our hearts soar.
Green Light Livin’ is reading His Word of Truth each day…as our daily feast.
Green Light Livin’ is praying our hearts to the One who knows our every thought.
Green Light Livin’ is searching and looking for The Next Thing!
What do I do, dear Lord
To show my love for you?
How can I witness your love
How can I make my life anew?
Then a small voice whispers
Deep within my heart
Do the next thing, my child
Do the next thing, it’s a start.
Each morning when I arise
My heart to Him I bring
When I ask what to do,
He whispers, Child, do the next thing.
The tasks I see before me
Are not the grand things I long for
But being faithful in
The next thing — with Him, I’ll soar!
EAC 2010
Comments? eacombs@att.net