THE GRUMBLER (OR HOW THE HOLY SPIRIT TUGGED AT MY SHIRT TAIL)

Buddy Jim Crawford, one of my Band of SBS Brothers on Tuesday morning men's bible study at 6:30 AM, told me last night that he appreciated my input on an early morning experience that I had shared with the group. So, here it is.

At 6:05 AM I pulled out onto Cactus, a busy street that takes me to the 101 interstate. This morning there was one car I had to wait on. My natural inclination is to grumble: "Why did this car have to be there and force me to wait," would be my usual response or thought process. Before I could finish, I was interrupted. It was like I said in the title. It was the Holy Spirit trying to bring me back to reality.

"Are you kidding me?" was my next thought. Here I am, complaining about one car and missing the beautiful sunrise over the mountains. I'm missing the calm of a peaceful morning. I'm missing a chance to have audience with the Maker, the Creator.

I immediately went to prayer asking God to forgive me for my grumbling. Not just this morning, but for a lifetime of grumbling about drivers and weather and all kinds of negativity that I had expressed. And you know what? I felt so relieved. I felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted from my shoulders. I actually felt as if I had physically grown in my car as my head was touching the roof lining. Fellow brother Bob Peach jokingly told me I was only wishing that growth spurt happened. But he could identify. He knew, too.

And that's my story. I've thought of that experience more than once since Tuesday morning. And I thank God for placing that car on Cactus. And I thank the Holy Spirit for opening my eyes.