A Mile for Donuts

A Mile for Donuts

The only key-lime donut of which I’m aware resides 1.1 miles from my location.   I like them, but my metabolism is not what it was 25 years ago.  I made a plan of redemption for the caloric intake of the “heaven” that is key-lime donuts.  I walked to the donut shop instead of taking a combustible engine.  A 2.2 mile round trip by my calorie-meter burns approximately 4,200 calories (please don’t refer me to any scientifically based caloric computations.)

I hooked my head up to my iPod, set the playlist to worship tunes and stepped out the door.  The sun shone for the first time in days, a sign of blessing at first, but after about a tenth of a mile, I realized this was more than a blessing.  Combined with the humidity, the Sun provided me with a natural sauna to help me sweat off more weight to give me room for an extra donut!

I did work up a bit of perspiration traversing the sandy desert, littered with weeds in rolling water, kissing my toes before scurrying back from whence it came.  I hiked through a dune and across the road to my destination—Thomas Donut and Snacks.  I ordered a couple dozen to feed the hungry crew back at the house.

Twenty-four donuts does not seem like a heavy load—unless one were to eat all of them—but carrying them for more than 10 to 15 feet to and from the car can give one a real feeling of why one must walk 2 miles to attempt working one of them off.  I was listening to a David Crowder song when God seemed to be nudging me to sing along.  I know that I’m not supposed to be ashamed of Him, but I must confess, I was a bit hesitant to open up my lungs and bring forth praise to him while carrying a pink box of donuts on the side of the road.  What would people think? 

After joining in on the chorus and not being able to catch my breath for all the words, I realized I had more to worry about.  I knew what anyone listening would think:   “Who is that crazy guy over there, singing about Jesus, while about to keel over on the side of the road?”

Then I thought, hey, wouldn’t it be cool if Christians everywhere sang while oblivious to the world around them, so that everyone would see how unashamed we are of Jesus Christ!  Then I met people along the way who said, “Good morning!” 

Would it have been proper of me to return the greeting with an out of tune, half-breathed worship song without any background vocals?  I made a quick theological, Miss Manners, Christian, legalism, liberalism debate in my head and then replied:  “Good morning!”

Was I embarrassed by God or my own singing?  Was this a conviction or a legalistic notion in my head?  God answered me after letting me think about it through passing a few others and singing when I could catch my breath.

I was coming upon some neighbors in their driveway when Francesca Battistelli started singing.  Should I wave a good morning or sing along?  Should I say, “Good morning!”  Should I—oh, God, you are funny.  I don’t get the point yet, but I do get the joke.  Maybe that is the point—should I sing to them:  “When I was just a girl…thought I had it all figured out…”

I said, “Good morning,” without feeling any condemnation.  There is a point to realizing God has a sense of humor, but after getting back to the house, cooling off and enjoying a few bites of key lime heaven, I realized the whole morning experience as a complete piece.  I was carrying my burden on a hot day and God nudged me to give Him praise—to relieve my burden by focusing on Him.  I did not get worn out from holding a heavy box of donuts (I am not the man of envy at the gym.)  I did focus the rest of my journey on God and what He would want me to do.  But then I started becoming legalistic about what the Spirit nudged me to do, and God let me talk to Him about it a bit and then ultimately laid out a humorous illustration for me. 

It’s not about the burden.  It’s not about my self-righteousness or ability to keep to the rules of religion.  It’s about enjoying time with God, a walk with the Spirit, a key lime donut with Jesus.  It’s all about Him!

Ironically, in my reading of the Word today, which I chose to read after my walk and writing the body of this note:

Matthew 11:28-30  Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS.  For My yoke is easy and my burden is light.