The kingdom of God is like a toll road...

Sara moved into this home just over two years ago. I remember filling up the vehicles several times and driving around the capital to bring the stuff up to our new apartment. There was a slight change to the drive's routine the first time I borrowed the Smiths' Caravan to drive it on such a trip. I followed my usual process of getting off the Beltway, and heading to the toll plaza toward Dulles, as my turn came up, I rolled down the window and reached out with a one dollar bill in my hand (ah, the good ol' days when that was enough to pass the toll…). But instead of taking it, the nice lady kept her hands to herself and said something about EZpass. That's when I first noticed the white box next to the mirror in front of my head! My toll fare had already been paid. So I pulled my Washington back in and kept moving.

I was recently thinking about this event, and it made me think of our salvation through Christ. Yes, the way to Heaven requires payment of a "toll" - namely the cost resulting from all our sins. 

Trying to work our way to salvation would be like getting to the toll booth, and then digging under the car seats and looking in all the nooks and crannies for loose change trying to amass enough coins to pay our own way. Yet no matter how hard we try, the cost is so much higher than what we could come up with. There's no way we can cover the cost ourselves. And similarly to how the Smiths had paid my toll by virtue of their EZpass being charged and in the windshield, so has God already paid our way into His presence, which we gain access to with Christ in our lives.

And as I felt silly when this happened and I had the funds to easily pay my way onto the Dulles Toll Road, try to imagine how ridiculous we would look if we sweated and fretted working hard to make our way forward when our Lord has already filled the proverbial EZpass at his own cost! Allowing us fly through without stopping so we can be on your way, getting closer and closer to the destination.

I know, the analogy does break down in some respects. But I kinda like it.

Daily constitutionals

Recently Jon and I decided to start a new habit - daily walks. It's pretty important for me right now, being much more limited in the physical activity I can do, and also for Jon who sits at a desk every day. So in our typical fashion - me having a great idea and Jon who actually has the will power to execute the great idea - we've been "getting up" 30 minutes earlier (aka, not snoozing....) and going for a walk.

I have to say I'm finding them quite addictive. It's been about three weeks now of nearly daily walks and while it is not getting *easier*, it is getting more desirable. I'm finding myself frequently emulating the behavior of our old family dog Cally who would nag and nag and nag (as only a dog can) until she was taken out for her 3pm walk. I get really excited for my walking buddies, and I have one at work as well, who take time to walk me around the block even at my ever slowing pace, while claiming it is good for them too. I'm almost anxious until we go and am always so glad and relaxed when we get back. No wonder she stared us down for hours.

Now these aren't power walks, they are more like power strolls. More accurately - more stroll and less power. Usually they begin with a "are you up for this" and "yes, you?" followed by "okay, sure." Once we get started you'll hear one of us muttering "This is really good for us." "Yes, I know" "Thank you for doing this." "You're welcome. Thank you. " "How are you doing?"  "Waking up." And basically our conversation follows this line of thought for about thirty minutes. Riveting for the morning I assure you.

Today we upped up the action by helping clear of trails of branches and small trees which fell during the storm. I found this relatively exhilarating. We do not have a yard, so it's nice to get outside and work in the nature.  Well, Jon moved the big branches and I picked up wet leaves and moved smaller branches, but it was still productive, and we may have inspired another person to pitch in which is nice. 


So there we have it- hopefully we can keep this up for the next three months!