A Bigger Windshield

In early January, I decided to begin driving instead of flying – any time that I could. Among many benefits, this pattern has provided me opportunities to begin and/or stay in touch with a bunch of people that I was “flying over” in the past.

Last Tuesday I returned from a seven-day “tour” that included stops in Atlanta, Charlotte, Clemson, Raleigh, Greensboro, Boone, Asheville… and Atlanta again. Accomplishments included a board meeting with Minorities for Christ International, planning meetings with Chinese leaders, meetings with leaders about better mobilizing their churches in mission, discussions with men and women desiring to more tangibly participate in God’s mission, great fellowship, and some time with my grandkids.

Special thanks and prayer to all those who provided food, lodging, prayer and fellowship along the way – the Grantham’s, Chiang’s, Hasting’s, Baddour’s and Gilland’s. A different bed each night is really not so bad as long as I’m staying with people that love me.

As I drove last week, I enjoyed the beauty of God’s handiwork in the mountains of NC, but I also realized something. What we see out our own windshields has a way of limiting what we focus on and pray about. We tend to think, worry and pray for people and things that we see out our windshields – my family, my friends, my neighbors, my church, my nation. God knows that these are all things in need of prayer and my attention. But is that all there is to faithful Christian discipleship? 

I think God is trying to give me a bigger windshield. What about you?

Pray for me as I drive out today. I look forward to connecting with God’s people in Destin, Jackson, Memphis, Nashville and Atlanta in the next week. I’ll be trying to keep my windshield clean and big.

9 Responses to “A Bigger Windshield”

1. Stacia Glavas says:

   October 12, 2009 at 1:13 pm

   Great post! Prayers going out for you…

   Reply
   • Jack & Mary Zumwalt says:

     October 12, 2009 at 2:19 pm

     Great visual concept, A larger windshield. We need it too.

     James: Please pray for Mary & I as we prepare for our 3 year assignment in Thailand with MUP working with missionaries in China as Member Health providers. We are experiencing spiritual warfare as we prepare to go in selling house, cars, “stuff”. It is therefore, even more clear that we are intended to go.
     Jack

     Reply
   • Sulli Stinchcomb says:

     November 5, 2009 at 1:28 pm

     Dear James,
     I write a “Focus” to head the prayer lists that I give to my Prayer Team. I needed a thought for next week. I’ll make their windshields broader by giving them FollowOne to pray about. Bless you all and may the Lord never cease to bless FollowOne.
     Sulli

     Reply
2. randel and steve says:

   October 12, 2009 at 6:07 pm

   i know another place you can stay in atlanta… people who love you…..

   Reply
3. Terry says:

   October 12, 2009 at 9:10 pm

   Thanks for the view (and the reminder to pray)! Luv. U. TSB

   Reply
4. Lewis Powell says:

   October 13, 2009 at 8:45 am

   Thanks for connecting. We met a year ago at a Mission Conference in Atlanta. Be safe as you travel and I will add you to my prayer list.

   Reply
5. Jo Ellen Druelinger says:

   October 14, 2009 at 2:43 pm

   you are REALLY good at this blogging thing (I wonder why?!)…hope to see you while in Memphis!

   Reply
6. Dana Barnhisel says:

   October 15, 2009 at 10:45 am

   Thanks for reminding all of us to remember those who are not necessarily in our every day life! Have a GREAT trip! Love you…

   Reply
7. John Gilbert says:

   October 19, 2009 at 2:20 pm

   Great post. We look foward to seeing you in Dallas soon.

   Reply