Why all the people?

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord established their steps.” Proverbs 16:9

I have quite a bit of road time in my job. While I am driving, I do some of my best thinking. My wife would say some of my craziest thinking. I can imagine all kinds of things about the people I see in cars on the highway. Where are they going and why? This morning I saw truckers hitting the road for a long week of driving. I saw construction crews loaded with equipment and materials no doubt thankful for a break in the heat. I routinely see people putting on makeup or shaving at 80 mph.

This morning I was thinking about how busy we all get. Monday morning is full of optimism for the week and energy for the grind. Plans are in motion. Everyone I see is at various levels prepared for the week. But today I wonder if I get so busy with things here that I miss the simple joy of existing. Life is beautiful.

If my wife and I were doing things over, we would do many things differently. One of the biggest is that we would have more kids. We have been loaned three of Gods best, but we would gladly take more of our own. We have, however, been blessed with a bunch of honorary kids. One of those came to see us this past week. She brought her five kids with her – honorary grandchildren – ranging in age between 7 years and 7 weeks. To describe this, I can use words like chaos, active and loud among others. I can also use words like spellbinding, beautiful, wonderful and peaceful. Yes, even in the midst of chaos, peace was louder than noise.

In the middle of all this was their momma. Quiet as a mouse, although I did hear her say “If you don’t get in I will throw you in that pool!” to one who then proceeded to swim for the next few hours by herself. Mom was completely undisturbed by the noise, the fighting or the fussing. If a kid cried, she could quickly recognize distress over manipulation. It was a thing of beauty to watch and when they left even Korbin missed them and he hates noise. We had no agenda, no expectation and no sense of urgency. There was not one thing either of those kids needed to “do” for our love. We reached a perfect pitch and held it for two days.

Do you think God thinks about us like that? Why did He need so many people? Maybe it’s for the same reason I would have more kids. He just loves them. I do not think God gets rushed. I do not think He has to have an agenda, although I realize He has a plan, those two things are different. Often, I think He just likes watching our life. He can intervene for safety, just like we did occasionally. He can also watch despite danger knowing we are going to be hurt sometimes. He can calm us when we are anxious. Occasionally a heavenly “If you don’t get in, I will throw you in” is needed. He can just sit back and smile watching us all grow. He can take pleasure when we learn and struggle and reach. None of must “do” anything but accept Him and even that is up to us to decide. I bet it’s a thing of beauty from His eyes.

Why do I get so caught in striving for the things that are only measured here? Did I take a little time to just connect over a game of checkers like Asa (the oldest) did? Do I work so hard and fast that even driving has to be multitasked? Man, I think we could all use a dose of slow motion. Peace in spite of chaos is possible.

Write down your most valuable roles: dad, husband, employee, boss – whatever they are. I have mine sitting on my desk.

Does God recognize the list?

Challenge: Ask Him what truly is important. Put time in that list for Him. No agenda needed. Just priority because He enjoys it and so will you.

Rick L. Claiborn