When I began driving, I had this little habit my friends called “the Holley stop.” I’d roll up to a stop sign and pause long enough that it felt like stopping to me.
All that changed one day on the way to get rodeo tickets (yee-haw!). I did a “Holley stop” and the flashing lights behind me brought me to a halt.
I got a ticket and a trip to comedy defensive driving (weird). I’ve been a full stopper ever since…at least in my car.
Last night I lost an important document on my computer. My husband kept trying to talk to me. I’d pause, mutter a few words, and then be on my mission again.
In other words, a “Holley stop” of the heart.
Climbing into bed later and looking at the man I love, I thought of all the other times I do the same. Someone asks for my attention and I pause but don’t really give them an emotional full stop. I silently asked God to help me really stop.
And then I thought of Jesus and how his life on earth was a series of one full stop after another. When someone asked for his attention he gave it–freely, completely, with everything he had. The gospels share it three times…
Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. Matthew 20:32 NIV
Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” Mark 10:49 NIV
Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him,”What do you want me to do for you?” Luke 18:40 NIV
And what’s really encouraging? He still stops for us.
Imagine that for a moment…the God of the universe stops for you.
Not a pause, not a “Holley stop,” not an obligatory response but with everything he is, with all of his heart, God pays attention when we call to him.
Full stop.
Full of love.
Full of grace.
Full of whatever we need today.
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p.s. I’m almost to 5,000 e-mail subscribers on Heart to Heart with Holley. Woo-hoo! Thank you! To celebrate, whoever is the 5,000th one will get a $50 coupon code to the (in)courage shop or DaySpring.com. If you’re already a subscriber, you can still join in too! Share this with your friends and if the person who wins was referred by you (when I contact the winner I’ll ask if someone referred them), you’ll get a $50 coupon code too!
