The three ways I prefer to “spice up” a work commute are: sing, listen, and reflect. For light-heartedness, I crank the best tunes to pump myself up for a day of people interaction. To engage the mind, I select a podcast to listen as a person articulates their perspective on culture, business, or travel. And mornings when I feel weary and discouraged, I choose to reflect as I recite parts of the Bible out loud from my post-it notes in my car.

Whether your commute involves packed highways, buses, or a slew of stop lights (that’s me!), what catches your attention? How is your commute spent? Back in May when school zones slowed down commutes to work, my eyes landed on certain people. Each day, to and fro, the same people are catching my attention. After a couple days where I consistently see the same faces, I wonder what theme connects them together? Why do I see them? The blind woman walks past the elementary school with her white guidepost to lead the morning walk. Lawn care crews gather at the corner gas station to fuel up for another hard day under the Texas sun. International college students wait under a shaded tree at the bus stop with backpacks and school materials in tow. Resilience is the theme that forms as I drive by. I see resilience in each of their lives. I admire their resilience. The tenacious spirit to work hard, sacrifice, and accomplish goals takes incredible drive. It also comes with days or seasons of weariness.

The word weariness shifts my attention from the men and women on my commute to someone else. Someone who invites me to lay down my weariness. Someone who can be all my strength. I am not made to do it all. I have limits, but He does not. His welcomed voice encourages me to off-load my heavy burdens, struggles, and disappointments. He promises rest from the weariness. The work He is about is lasting and delightful when I choose to work alongside Him, follow His example, and let Him lead. When I finally pull in at work, turn off my car, and reach for the door handle I take a moment. I ask Jesus to take my weariness, to be my strength, and to lead me today.

How’s your work commute?

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.

Matthew 11:28-30

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1-3