Light on the Dashboard

It was time to buy a new car, and as my family and I went from dealer to dealer, I looked for the best car within my price range. The driver’s manual included all the features that came with this car. I was excited to drive my new car home.

I loved the lights and messages that popped up on the dashboard to tell me if there was anything that needed attention. Six years in, the car still runs well. The other day my husband said, “There is a light showing on the dashboard; do you know what it’s for?” I pulled out the manual and finally figured out that the light indicated auto stop had been turned on.

The switch had been accidentally bumped, and although the switch had been in plain sight for the last six years, I had never noticed it—or realized the car had this function.

There had been times I had wished the engine would not automatically switch off. I had never realized I could control this feature. I wondered what other features I was unaware of. As long the car ran smoothly, I had not cared to explore it further—perhaps there were other features that could make my drive smoother and safer.

I thought of my relationship with God. I know He exists, and I know that He has given me a manual, the Bible, to help me live my life effectively.

I have been a lifelong Christian. When life’s challenges come, I reach out to Him and keep going. I read His Word and pray, but do I explore His Word and learn more of Him? My life has been pretty much smooth sailing with an occasional hiccup, so I haven’t always sensed a need to dig deeper into understanding God. Thankful for the lesson I had just learned, I determined to make the best of my time here on earth and to get to know God better so that I do not just cruise through life. More importantly, I decided that my relationship with God will be such that I will know how He works and know His desires for me. I want to know when the Holy Spirit convicts me. I want to know and recognize His voice. How about you? What is your experience with Jesus? I hope that you will take the time to discover the essence of life and the Life Giver so that you will experience the abundance and beauty of everything God has planned for you.

Grace Paulson