This morning I parked in the lot across the street from the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles). Since the funeral I was officiating didn't start for a while, I was going to sit in my pickup and study. However, one of the advantages to having a simple mind is -- I am easily entertained (and obviously distracted).
Apparently the DMV schedules 16 year old "wunna-be" drivers to show up for their drivers test at same time I was supposed to be studying.
The first vehicle to pull up was a small gray SUV with an overly excited 16 year old cowboy (complete with cowboy hat and boots). The young lad jumped out of the SUV and ran to the DMV door, realized he forgot his wallet so he ran back to the SUV to retrieve it. He spun around, wallet in hand and ran to the DMV door, only to realize he forgot something else in the car. As he was making his 2nd trip back to the car, the passenger side door opened and his mother emerged. I am sure she is a very young and beautiful woman but at that moment, she simply looked exhausted.
The mother stood and stared down the street like she was trying to forget why she was there and her 16 year old cowboy bounced up and down trying to get her into the DMV office so he could take his test.
Eventually the poor mother meandered into the DMV with great trepidation. I suspect the heavy weight on her shoulders was in anticipation of her increased gas bill, the frequent trips to Les Schwab for tires, the District Court letters advising of speeding tickets past due, the distinct order of stale beer, or the layers of mud that would quickly cover her SUV after the young cowboy takes his buddies "mudding".
Shortly, the DMV door opened and out poured the young cowboy with a fistful of paperwork and a set of car keys. The DMV license tester eventually came out and sauntered around the SUV. I couldn't tell if he was inspecting it for damage, messing with the young cowboy's patience by taking an incredible amount of time examining the rubber tread on each tire, or simply looking for an excuse not to ride with the over caffeinated young cowboy.
Either way, the vehicle was determined to be in adequate working order and both of them crawled in and prepared for takeoff.
My perspective on this unfolding observation was a very interesting reflection on the different stages of the Christian life. The 3 of them fairly accurately portrays a rookie believer, a mid-life Christian and an older mature Saint that is faithfully serving Jesus Christ.
When people first trust Jesus Christ as Savior they are so excited they can't wait to tell their family, their coworkers, their friends, and anyone else they encounter at the WalMart. Their enthusiasm knows no bounds. In fact, they find themselves curiously annoying to the old salty dog Christians that have weathered decades of storms.
Then there is the mid-season of the Christian life where you have tasted just enough of life's battles and disappointments that your perspective is jaded. You search your heart for that enthusiasm and find that it missing in action. You are still in the game but your passion is less than contagious and you have that 1000 yard stare that is common in battle weary soldiers.
Finally, there is the mature stage. You are mentoring others in the Christian faith and find yourself spoon feeding God's Word to the rookies. You are coming along side the mid-season Christians, encouraging them to not loose faith because God will bless their faithfulness if they stay in the battle (Galatians 6:9). God has put you in both their lives as both an example and a resource to equip them, protect them, guide them, and nurture them.
"You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others" 2 Timothy 2:2
