A challenge

I used the following verse in my devotional:

Mark 9:35

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

I then used it to challenge my devotional readers and myself to serve our enemies. Love those whom we do not want to love. What affects would we feel as we loved our enemies?

So, I've been looking around for enemies outside of my own personal demons. Thus far, it appears my enemies emerge when I am driving. By that, I mean I am most hateful and angry when I drive. I am working on being more patient with other drivers and accepting them for driving at their own speed, or lack thereof.

Often when in a lane that is merging from two to one, I hate when people drive in the lane that is ending to get ahead. It drives me crazy, and I speed up so that car does not pass me. I have not yet had the opportunity to let that person pass me. In all honesty, I may not think of it until it is too late, but I've been preparing for it.

Last night I was driving a few teenagers home after I.O.B. A car was pulling out in front of me, because the driver was not looking both ways until she was halfway in my lane. She stopped; I was already slowing down, so I motioned for her to go. It can be tough to go straight or turn left across or onto Adams Ave. One of the teens said I was patient or nice. I told her that I try, and sometimes it's hard.

I have noticed a quality of peace when driving. I don't have as much internal anxiety or hurriedness. Even if I'm late, I remind myself that I'll get there when I get there. What's a few minutes?

There are other people, or enemies, that I need to love in my life, but I'll start with the enemies that are more removed first. It's easier that way. Baby steps until Jesus pushes me to run.

Who are the enemies in your life in which you can serve?