The Never Ending Gifts

Long ago when I was a girl, my dad took me to the slot car races. I stood in awe as I watched the brightly colored model cars zip around the slotted track. Dad explained that the cars were powered by an electric source underneath the track. To access the power, each car had a metal piece that jetted down through the slot in its lane. When the metal connected with the power source below, the car zoomed forward.

But every once in a while, a car would go too fast around the curve and fly out of its slot. That car sat helplessly stalled until someone reached over and put it back in its slot. Then off it went again.

Lately I’ve been feeling like a slot car. As long as I remember to keep talking to Jesus, I feel motivated and energized. While fully connected to my power source, I zip right along.

But after starting a task with Jesus at my side, I often get caught up in what I’m doing and race ahead on my own power. I plod my way through a stack of bills. Or my mind races to solve the world’s problems as I dust the furniture. An hour later I look up and realize I feel bogged down, and that familiar stomach knot is back again.

Oh, I forgot to include Jesus.

Praise God, however, that like the slot car, I have someone to help get me back on track.

“Dear Jesus, help me connect with you again. Thank you for your patience with me. I praise you for your love and wisdom. Please guide my next step, and all my steps.”

As I re-connect with Jesus, the tension gives way to peace and I glide on again.

I’ve still got a lot to learn about staying connected to Jesus, and some days are better than others, but I feel good about my progress. My “21 day Connecting with God Challenge” (Aug. 13 post) is really helping me remember to talk with Jesus throughout the day. Even the sporadic connection I’m experiencing lifts my spirits. I’m ready for more!