Traffic.

Buena Park to Sun Valley. Sun Valley to Buena Park. Although on paper (or maybe I should say, “on your computer screen”) the separation of the two may seem as minuscule as the word “to” the reality is that that “to” should be translated as “Los Angeles.”

One of the obstacles of my seminary life is how to deal with the patience inducing traffic of Southern California. So far, all has been fine as I leave my house at a crisp 5:45 AM from Tuesday to Thursday and despite how early this may sound to you, it is not early for the plethora of people making their way to work in one of the busiest cities in the world.

Do not get me wrong. Leaving at 5:45 surely has its benefits and I CERTAINLY miss the bulk of the morning rush (leaving past 7 would ensure a 2 hour drive to school), but there are still the occasional tie ups. The biggest tie up occurring as the 101 passes downtown LA. As nice as it is to idle past gargantuan buildings that tower into the sky as the sun rises, the anticipation of the sweet release of traffic overpowers the imagery. One by one, as the 101 empties out of LA and opens up into Hollywood, cars go from stop to a sudden GO. It becomes a race. People speed away from the monster that is traffic.

Similarly, and in many ways I feel as though God has suddenly brought quick and sudden changes in my life. God has stepped on the gas and has given me a sudden “GO.” To imagine, in August of 2008 I officially ended my undergraduate work and from August to January I endured the quite life of “traffic.” During those months, I had lessened responsibility at work, was not a full-time student, and was living at home; God had forced me to slow down.

I can remember praying to God during those times, “God, do what you desire in my life. I will accept whatever you have laid before me as long as it You are glorified. Glorify Your name at any cost in my life. Just give me something!” And let me tell you something, God definitely knows how to answer prayers.

Today? The grueling schedule, the academic demands of graduate work, ministry involvement, and making time for my loved ones are a challenge. The time I have is limited and I’ve learned that I need to spend it wisely. I am reminded of the words of James, “Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away . . . Therefore to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin” (4:14, 17).

God has put a certain season in my life that requires I endure the hardship of a student (once again). But this time it is different, the object of my study is God Himself. The late nights of work, the weekends spent studying, the study sessions; they all come together and draw me closer to God. Life, for many, is fast-paced. Do not let it slip away.

“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:20 – 21(emphasis added)

Serving the Savior,
Mark Pakingan