On my way home from soccer practice the other night, I asked my son to pray that we make it to the nearest gas station before we ran out of gas. I would like to say that it’s the first time I’ve placed one of my children in this particular emergency prayer situation, but alas, it is not. Bless my babies and their mom who likes to live on the edge regarding the “Empty” end of her gas gauge! Thanks to my son’s mad prayer power, we rolled into the nearest station on fumes and pulled up to the pump.

As I place the dispenser in my tank to fill up, I hear a string of obscene and hostile words coming from the back side of my pump. This guy was going off on that machine like it had legitimately grown arms and threatened him to throwdown right there in the parking lot. I actually got a little nervous for a second thinking this man might actually resort to physical violence against the gas pump and possibly other inanimate objects in the near vacinity. I immediately thought, “Wow! This guy has lost his mind,” and began judging him for the language he used in public and for losing his temper over something so silly (in my opinion). I even looked around to see if anyone else was getting a load of this guy. Maybe they were laughing and judging on the inside like I was. And then God stabs my heart with a reminder I need to hear in that very moment. He says, “That’s my child.”

Ouch. God reminded me that I was judging and laughing on the inside at HIS child. A child that God loves as much as He loves me. That was a painful and necessary reminder. I desperately wish that it is the first time God had to remind me of this, but alas, it is not. And as painful and embarrassing as it is every time He reminds of this, I am thankful for His Holy Spirit moving in my heart and causing my eyes to see people in my life as God’s children…His beautiful creation who He loves with all His heart. That woman at work that is always super grumpy and short with her co-workers? God made her and loves her. That guy who cuts you off in traffic and makes you slam on your breaks? Jesus died for him. That friend that hasn’t called you in a while and doesn’t put as much into your friendship as you do? God gave His one and only Son born in a manger for her salvation.

I hope this is the last time God must remind me of this truth, but, honestly, I doubt it. And, I’m thankful that God loves me as much as He loves everyone else and that while I was yet a sinner, He demonstrated His love on the cross for me too.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

“For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16