Wednesday, July 9, 2003
Wednesday, July 9, 2003
Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
The driver said, "Mister, I'm sorry, but I can't help it. I'm going as fast as I can."
"I know that," said Bonnell, "But you don't understand me. I mentioned this fact only to remind
you that I am the one who ought to be doing all the worrying in this taxi. You are doing your job
well. Some time ago I saw that I was going to be late, and that there wasn't anything I could do
about it, so I just relaxed. Why don't you try that some time?"
As Bonnell got out some time later, the driver said simply, "Mister, I've learned something today
that I'm going to try not to forget."
There are legitimate needs and responsibilities each of us has. We need to concentrate on
them. It is difficult to do constructive work and destructive worry at the same time.
(Philippians 4.6
NRSV)
John Sutherland Bonnell tells about taking a taxi in New York City at rush hour. The taxi driver
was furious at being held up by the slow moving traffic. He cursed this driver, and that; he
spurted through impossible gaps in the traffic; he slammed his brakes; he seethed with anger.
Bonnell finally said to him, "Driver, I have an important appointment right now with an out-of-town
physician. I wanted to be there on time, but now I'm 20 minutes late."
Dear God, help me to notice the things you are going to teach me today. Amen.
