Nail Driven

I was driven to do it.  No pun intended.  The obsession started 13 years ago or so when I changed my exercise habit from aerobics to running, speed walking, and most recently, biking.  My neighbors have watched me for years go the same route because the traffic is light and I have the miles marked off so I know how far I want to go.  The neighborhood has been under construction all those years – a little bit at a time.  Naturally, there have been roofing nails in the road.  My thought, when I picked up the very first nail was, “Oh! That’s going to get in someone’s tire.”  Well, that nail lead to countless nails being picked up through the years.  I wish I would have kept them all in a jar just for the amazement of it.  You see, not only have I saved all those tires, another thought came to me.  One day as I was carrying a nail that I had picked up, I thought about the nails Jesus picked up for me.  Each nail after that became a special worship time for me.  I thank Jesus for what He did and it helps me get in that beautiful space of gratitude and wonder at my Lord.  It has become a good obsession.  I simply can’t pass by a nail in the road.      
 
One day I noticed about 25 nails scattered on the road.  I’m sure they fell off the back of a truck.  So down I went, picking up every last one.  Yes, I thought about my safety, but interestingly enough, not one car drove past while my fingers were sweeping away. 
 
I struggled with whether or not to write this at all because I have done this good deed in secret all these years.  I certainly boast only in Christ.  But today is the day that pushed me along.  The event seemed to beckon to be put into print.  Here’s why…while biking on my usual path, I was quickly moving down a hill.  I noticed a 3 inch screw and thought, “Surely that is too big to end up in someone’s tire.”  But then I thought of a large truck.  Whether or not it was a scientific possibility, I still stopped the bike, turned around, and went back for it.  As I picked it up, it reminded me of how large the nails were that secured Jesus to the cross.  Much bigger than that 3 inch screw.  Much bigger indeed.  What an amazing act of love. 
 
We have all done good deeds throughout our lives.  And though they may not remind you of Christ, they should.  Every little thing you do for someone else has an impact far beyond what you can see. We are His hands and feet here on earth.  This particular good deed has saved countless tires, but for me, it became an act of worship.  Whatever it is you do for others, keep up the good work, and know that the creator of Heaven and Earth sees you and is pleased.  Know that you are making an impact even if not one person sees what you have done.  Whatever your nail is, stay driven to pick it up as often as you see the need.
 
Driven in Christ,
Celeste
“…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”  Matthew 5:16