Psalm 107:9 – For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things. (ESV)

On our narrow street recently, there were two cars parked, across the street and at each end of the bus stop. As I neared the first parked car, a bus was pulling up to its stop on the other side. Not being in a rush, and having seen the second car parked at the other end of the bus stop, I thought that I would wait and let the bus through after the driver had collected his passengers and moved off.

Among those waiting for the bus was a mother with a pushchair, or stroller, and young children, so it took some time, but I was quite content to wait, unlike the growing queue following me. Suddenly, the car from behind me zoomed past in high dudgeon and overtook me and the first parked car in front, closely followed by the car behind. They were impatient. Sadly for them, they had not seen the second parked car, obscured by the first one!

Oops! This meant that they had to stop even faster than they had accelerated, because they were unable to get any further! Now they, too, had to wait for the bus to move, and I suspect that they felt a bit exasperated. The bus driver and I shared a smile and a knowing look, and with a wave of the hand, he moved off, revealing a space for the cars to move on.

It is a funny thing being a senior with an old man's car. Some people think that driving a boring car and looking older, I have lost my wits, and apparently my road sense as well!

"One up for the wrinklies!" I thought. This derogatory term for seniors has stuck with my sense of whimsy — after all, it is factual — and I admire the bluntness. I decided to take a deep breath, let the moment pass, give the cars some space in front, and move on.

I am quite happy being a wrinkly because I have faced up to it, as it is only a temporary state of being, and describes only my outward appearance.

So, if you can, take the time to spy out the land with me. May we make note of the potential pitfalls and opportunities that life offers, so that we are not suddenly embarrassed by carelessness of thought and deed.

When we stand before the great white throne, let it not be found that we have been sucked into the egotistical rushing about of the world in which we find ourselves, as is so easy to do if we let it seep into our being.

Prayer: Lord, fill us up and let Your light shine in us to cast out the darkness. May we go through the day taking the time for You to be with us in the doing, to be a guard for our minds, and to put Your song of love in our hearts. In and through the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Rod Marshall <roderickhenrymarshall@gmail.com>
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
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