In many cities, in spite of the popularity of ride services, they still have taxi cabs. In some cities, the taxi cabs still have a light that lets potential customers know about their availability; that they are in service. The light either says “On Duty” or “Off Duty.” In other cities you will see cabs that use a more complex light system that is mounted on their roof that will only illuminate when they are available to serve people needing a ride.
With that little background, let me tell you a story. A man who had been driving his cab for over 10 years came home later than his usual time. His wife had prepared him dinner, and she had been pacing back and forth, peeking out the petite, pink curtains to see if her husband was outside. When the husband arrived, some three hours late, he walks through the door looking beat. But looking beat did not save him from a verbal beatdown from his wife who had tried to remember that love is patient. Yet, we all know how we let impatience take over sometimes, right? The husband says, “Honey, I tried heading home several times, but every time I got a few miles away, a customer would wave his hand. Being the considerate person that I am, I stopped every time and pick up the person and took them to their destination.” The wife, both hands on her hips, says, “And?” The husband says, “And after my last customer I stopped to get gas, and I looked up and saw that I had forgot to turn off my “Off Duty” light.” The wife accepted the excuse but didn’t let her husband off the hook right away. She says, “Next time, when it is time to quit working, remember to turn on the “Off Duty” light! The husband offered no resistance, didn’t have any sassy remark, or a comeback that would have elevated the situation. He just shook his head and said, “I will.”
Now, I could have kept going and made this into a romance novel or a least a short love story, but instead I have a little story for you on this Saturday morning. You may not have to work today. It may be the only day of the week that you can schedule your own time as however so please, as long as it is pleasing to the Lord. Nevertheless, my fellow saint, remember that you are never “Off Duty!” You must let your light stay illuminated wherever you go and regardless of whatever you do. Take note! You are included in the “We” in the closing verse. Have a great day! Go to church tomorrow! Be blessed!
“We must carry out the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.” (John 9:4-5 NASB)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King
The taxi driver didn’t know he had not turned on his “off duty” light. That is funny in a way but somewhat sad, too, for him. The part I enjoyed reading was that we are never “off duty” when working for the Lord. Our light should always be on…shine, shine on me, o gentle Savior.
Amen Dr. King! Thanks for reinforcing the message behind the story! Be blessed!