Thoughts for Life: Stick Shift Life

Shift into gear with Christ

Susan Lyttek shares with us, "I love to drive a stick shift.

Many of my friends and family think it odd.

But when driving manual is at its best, the car and I become one. No one driving on the road near us can tell my car is any different than an automatic.

It’s only when I miss a shift or grind the gears that my role in the car’s progress along the road becomes painfully obvious.

According to recent data, manual (otherwise known as stick shift) car sales are on the rise. Often they are less costly to purchase.They have lower maintenance costs and get better gas mileage.

In today’s economy, more people are willing to put up with the inconvenience of using a clutch when their budget is tight.

The full-body driving experience of cruising down the road in my little stick shift automobile reminds me of living the Christian life.

When Christ and I are one, no one riding along the path of life can see me, my sins, or my failings.

They see Christ. It’s only when I get out of sync with Him by ignoring my quiet time or forgetting to pray that others can see my role in this drive of life.

I hurt others inadvertently. I lose strength and can’t go on. I do things I shouldn't and avoid things I should do.

My clumsy attempts to live a good life without Jesus look jerky, pathetic or mired in self-centeredness. Thankfully, I only have to ask Him to take over to get back in gear.

It’s been said, 'Let Jesus take the wheel,' and when I do, the ride is smooth.

Scoot over and let Him shift the gears."

"You put on the new man, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of truth." Ephesians 4:24

Stick Shift Life – Susan Lyttek

Posted on January 3, 2013 by Senior Editor, Cindy Sproles, www.christiandevotions.us

Photo courtesy of microsoft.com free image gallery

Susan Lyttek, a homeschooling mother, writes from the D.C. suburbs and coaches writing online.

When she lets Christ drive, she has written and published everything from plays to interviews to short stories, greeting cards, and the recent mystery novel Homeschooling Can Be Murder
(Harbourlight Books, 2012).

Read Susan’s devotions.

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Susan asked to have the following notice added:

Just released! A middle grade comedy from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas

Guzzy Goofball and the Homeschool Play from Outer Space

Currently available

Homeschooling Can Be Murder

(A Talbott Family Mystery)

from Harbourlight Books

And coming soon...a new Talbott Family Mystery from Harbourlight Books
Killer Field Trip

sajlyttek.com

Used by permission by www.christiandevotions.us

[Father, it is a joy to walk with You. Help me to be faithful with my praying and Bible reading, so I'll remain strong in my faith.]

Today’s quote: Frances Pasch - “Remember, God is not looking for extraordinary people; He is looking for ordinary people like you and me through whom He can do extraordinary things. We just need to be open to His will for our lives so that He can be gloried through us.” [1/6/13]

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