Let Me Be Frank –
⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
                    Phillipians 4:8
 
Do you have a strategy for parking when you go to the store?  You’d be surprised how many people do.  Some people park as far away as possible to get their exercise in.  Some people park close to nice vehicles.  The reasoning there is “nice vehicles cost a lot of money” and you don’t have to worry about someone opening the door and dinging your car.  Then there are those who hunt for parking.  They meander slowly through each lane looking for brake lights.  Brake lights mean someone is getting ready to leave.
 
Regardless of what strategy you use, you probably have said these words, “I’m just looking for a better place to park.”  But finding the perfect place for our car isn’t as important as where we park our thoughts.
 
We have been inundated with information.  Everyone has an opinion and most people want us to know what that is.  I’m not suggesting that we just accept everything that happens in our lives, I’m just asking if we need a better place to park our thoughts.
 
Maybe we should avoid anger and bitterness when we look for that perfect place.  Maybe we should drive right past pride and frustration.  In all reality, those spots may already be taken, but they shouldn’t be taken by us.
 
Paul wasn’t sure if his execution was coming or not when he wrote this letter.  Can you imagine the anxiety level as he woke every morning?  But instead of dwelling on his current situation he chose to park somewhere else. 
 
Can I encourage you to think about the things of God this week?  What is pure in your heart?  What is lovely?  How can you be a blessing to someone else today?  Lean into God’s truth today when you feel like parking somewhere you shouldn’t.  A good parking place makes all the difference in the world!
 
And when you find yourself overwhelmed, bitter, angry, prideful, fearful, or fed up with it all maybe you just need to find a better place to park.
 
Can’t wait to worship with you this weekend!
We are Central… and we’re in this TOGETHER! 
SOLI DEO GLORIA
-F