I would like to give you a small glimpse into the life of Main Avenue in Sundre, AB. You see, we have round-about intersections through downtown. If you watch the services on Sunday, you may hear me refer to the intersections and see me cringe as I witness almost accidents right outside the front door of the church. There are daily outbursts of car horns as people let others know how wrong they are when using the intersections and, in a few cases, some gestures of disappointment were exchanged after the vehicular auditory expression of disapproval was communicated. For me, I was taught how to navigate traffic circles when I first learned to drive and remember the lesson my instructor told me; “the key to traffic circles is yield to the person in the circle and be courteous to others as this will ensure traffic flows easily. You see, the mentality of so many is that the right of way belongs to those traveling on Main Avenue because it is the main thoroughfare, it is the highway and it has always been that way. The reason the circles were put in was so that people trying to cross Main Avenue had the opportunity to cross the road more easily and safer. For those who do not want to adhere to the principle of yielding to others and being courteous, there will always be frustration because it hampers the way they want things done.
Self before others is the call of the world but we can make a huge difference by reversing the trend; others before self. You see, if we all embrace this motto, others will always have our best interests in mind while we help others to succeed. If I yield to the needs of another in the traffic circle, they will feel good and I will not be stressed. This is the big win-win. This is not a new concept and there are times when we need that opportunity to call out for a helping hand and, in the end, there is a peace.
He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Matt 26:39 NLT
Jesus was having a tough night. He knew what was to come, the disciples were not fully onboard, Peter was going to deny Him, Judas was going to betray Him and none of them could stay awake even for a short time. Frustrated Jesus called out to the Father asking for relief, asking to have the burden of it all removed but then remembered the will of the Father was to serve the needs of others and Christ’s needs would be taken care of shortly thereafter. Life was a bit chaotic but only a short while later, it was done. Father, forgive them.
It is going to take some time for things to change when it comes to understanding the benefits of the circle but when it becomes like second nature, there will be more joy and less stress when the whole embrace the new way. Others before self; so many benefits for all in the grand scheme of things.
This Sunday, Pastor Todd will once again be talking about others before self, a study of Christ’s sacrifice. We would love for you to join us either in person or online Sunday at 10:30 AM MST.
Facebook Live - Main Ave Fellowship
YouTube Live – You Tube
We look forward to seeing you this Sunday.
Blessings,
Pastor Todd
Our Mission “To live the love of Christ”
