The Beauty of Red Lights

Call me Crazy, but I love me a good red light. Driving has its demands. Your attention is on the road, other drivers, and whatever may be happening inside the car. Your thoughts can vary from focusing on your destination, future plans, the song on the speakers, or even quiet meditation. A nice red light interrupts the noise of driving and offers an opportunity.

Every time we wait the time can be spent lifting our hearts and mind to God. Any interruption to our routine can do it. But Red Lights have the reputation of causing anger, frustration, and impatience. Imagine instead, at every red light we offer a prayer for those in our lives. We prayed for those who are sick, homeless, or hungry. We prayed for ourselves and strengthening our relationship with God. How many red lights do you anticipate sitting at? Do you really want to be filled with impatience at each one?

Anger is often tied to our surroundings failing to meet our expectations. Anger is a response to a perceived injustice. Just think of the angry people in your life and compare them to those who are rarely angry. The angry people want things done their way when they want it done. The slow to anger are more malleable as to when things are done and in what way. Of course, we are angry at red lights because we expect the green light to bless our journey forward. The red light halts our progress.

I rather enjoy red lights, because my expectations are different. My expectation is about enjoying the journey and not getting to the destination as fast as possible. I do not expect a green light. I don’t expect a red light. However, if I get a green light it is an opportunity to thank God. And if I get a red light it is an opportunity to pray for the people on my prayer lists.

When I am caught at a red light, it is a beautiful time to welcome God into my life. A beautiful chance to breathe and slow down. A reminder that the destination can wait. We must see interruptions as opportunities to grow closer to God. If red lights makes us feel angry and impatience, then that is an imperfection we must pray away. What better way to do that then change our expectations of red lights into catalysts of prayer. Praise be to God that the world we live in is filled with opportunities to serve and love God and neighbor!