Confessions from a Car Nut

I am not the most patient or gentle driver.

If my lead foot weren't bad enough, I often get irritated and "express" my verbal frustrations to myself aloud in my car. I could be praying the Morning Offering one minute and the next I am losing it on the person who is not using her turn signal properly. My lack of patience in driving is something that comes up regularly in Confession. One of my dear friends often has to remind me, "Patty, are you driving under the gaze of the Lord?" While it brings a giggle or two, I know I have some work to do in this department.

In today's reading (Ephesians 4), Saint Paul is writing to a community of Christian in Ephesus, located in modern-day Turkey. He is reminding the local believers that they each have a unique calling in the Body of Christ, a distinct role to play. This is true for us too. Living out our own unique calling includes practicing the fruits Saint Paul reminds them about: humility, gentleness, patience, love, unity, and peace.

Don't you feel like our world and the Church need more of these things, especially right now?

God places you and me in situations and life experiences. Wherever we are, whatever we are doing, we can bring all of those fruits into those spaces. When we do so, the world becomes a little less cold and little more loving.

Where is the Spirit calling you to bring more of His fruit into the world around you? How can you make that space more patient, loving, and peaceful? In a small, practical way for me that looks like bringing more patience and gentleness into my driving. What might it look like in your life?

We have a unique calling in the Body of Christ. // @amoderngraceClick to tweet

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