A Lesson Learned at the Gas Station

So I was at the gas station today...

I was quite tired whilst operating on only 2.5 hours of sleep and it was the end of the day...still adjusting to the overall change brought about by another new project at work that occurred unexpectedly last month (a good thing)...still adjusting to the setup where both boys are now in school (two different schools, mind you) and not having my mom nearby to help...thinking about the upcoming finals during my final semester in Bible school...and still learning as I travel life's pathway to domestication and motherhood...and oh, gas prices are up, again!!!

While pumping gas for an extended period of time (thanks to my gas guzzler), I had my mind wrapped around many things at the same time. I was trying to figure things out on my own, trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together in my head. I didn't even notice the people around me. An older gentleman pulled up at the gas pump across from me and started talking, "You look very tired. Are you okay?"

"I'm just in deep thought," I replied.

"A very important Person once said, 'Be anxious for nothing'. Remember that."

Boy, that sure woke me up! I have to remember to quit figuring things out on my own. It's a lot of responsibility to bear, I know--but I don't have to bear it alone. I know God is always present to help...and God had to use a stranger to remind me! And there I was trying to control my circumstances, again, even if it was just all happening inside my head.

It's not about me, it's about Him! God was trying to get my attention all along as I was selfishly focusing on the wrong things (myself, for one) when I should have been focusing on Him.

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-8

I should stop "thinking too much" to the point that I overwork myself. Instead, I should start praying, trusting, and following His lead. It has worked before, and I know it always will.

I never thought I'd be reminded of a great and timely lesson...at the gas station (of all places)! Life is hard, yes. But, it certainly is filled with lots of wonderful lessons that we can all use, reuse, and share.