What we do means more than what we say. As we come out of a time of isolation and quarantine we have had a lot of time to think. Our routines have changed. We will soon return to the way things were. Let me ask this; will we still do things the same? Will our actions change? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
In the light of day things look different. Everything comes out in the open. We can see things for what they really are. Those hidden and in the shadows are revealed for what they are. We have been through a difficult stretch with no shortage of opinions on the course to take. It seems the restrictiveness of confinement has exploded and burst at the seams. Emotion is overflowing. How will everything sort itself out?
There is a phrase used commonly in racing that deals with this; “sort it out”. I have heard this used so many times in so many different situations. When there are several cars in a pack on the track the race director says; “sort it out”. When drivers see things differently they need to sort it out before they get back on the track. When scoring and eye witness viewpoints don’t agree we have to get things sorted out.
The meaning of it is simple. Take a step back, look beyond yourself and decide to do things that benefit the whole not just yourself. Now before you jump to conclusions, we know that doesn’t always work. There always seems to be someone who won’t back down, pushes the point and in the end loses more than they anticipated. Sometimes that can still be worked out, but most times the consequences of those actions involve losses beyond our willingness to accept.
We can say we are in agreement, we can go along with the decision but ultimately our actions will reveal our true motive. It is said drivers never forget. This race may be run but there will be others. Somewhere, someday I’ll have the opportunity to demonstrate how I really feel. Then it will be settled.
We know when things start going in that direction nothing is ever settled. It only escalates until it endangers others and yourself. It must be difficult going through life trying to remember all the scores you need to settle. Maybe we need to choose differently?
I once suggested to a driver to turn the other cheek, you know, don’t get even just smile and wave. I figured it would be a way to change the direction of things but when I saw the look in the driver’s eyes I realized I may have only started something new.
“Wow, that’ll be great he will never know when I’ll get even. I can just smile and wave that’ll confuse him so much then I can catch him by surprise!”
As we come out of hibernation we have all had time to decide if we are going to change our perspective of things. We have all experienced how fleeting our freedom and livelihood can be. Right or wrong we all had to endure the isolation and challenges of lockdown. Now we have an opportunity to live differently, to act differently.
I wonder what we have learned. Have we come to realize that our value is intrinsic, built in? Have we come to the realization that each of us have different challenges we are facing and like everyone we are trying to make it through. Have we come to the understanding that we need to consider the challenges others face before we cast our interpretation of the circumstances into the arena? Have we become more considerate and gracious?
Based on the feedback I see there is work to be done. I would encourage each of us not to return to life as it was. We need to embrace the opportunity we have been given and act in a way that honors God.
Here’s some advice from James;
James 1:22; But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
James 2:1; My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?
James 2:14; What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?
We need to take heed to these and take our post quarantine world in a different direction. We need to get things sorted out.
Our actions speak volumes. We need to truly listen. We need to respond in a tangible way. We are here to serve everyone. Having faith in God means doing something.
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
