99 Seconds with Michael

As a NASCAR fan, it was thrilling to find out that one lucky fan was going to be chosen to have a 99 second conversation with my favorite NASCAR driver, Michael Waltrip. My mind began to wonder about what I might talk to Michael about. 99 seconds isn’t a long time and if I were to win, I was worried that I’d ramble and miss the opportunity to have a real conversation with him. My decision was that I’d introduce myself and tell him why I was his fan and let him know what a privilege it was to be talking to him. Then I’d let him talk. He is so witty and his southern drawl is a pleasure to listen to. I knew it would go quickly, so I’d make the most of the time and simply enjoy the moment.

I didn’t win that contest and was saddened that I wouldn’t be able to have a conversation with him, but in the whole scheme of things, it really is okay. I’ve been able to enjoy Michael on many occasions in his role as a NASCAR driver, owner, and commentator. I’ve been able to go to a few races at Daytona International Speedway and enjoy the thrill of seeing my favorite driver win a race. My dream of speaking with him directly will probably never come true, but there was an opportunity and I certainly did my best to make it happen.

99 seconds. That hardly seems like any time at all. What if I only had 99 seconds to speak to my husband or my children or to God? What meaningful conversation could be had in that short time? We know that it would be impossible for anything to really come of a 99 second conversation. We’d never have the opportunity to share in deep, meaningful dialogue. We’d never have a chance to give friendship to the lonely, comfort to the grieving, and love to the untrusting. It might even be a challenge to sum up God’s grace and forgiveness in 99 seconds!

So why is it that that is exactly what we do with God? Quickie prayers, maybe lasting 99 seconds. And what do those prayers consist of? Probably requests that we’d like answered. And probably one-sided. Our side. I don’t know about you, but my desire is to have meaningful conversations with my God. Conversations where I can praise Him for who He is and for what He has done in my life. A channel of communication where I can tell Him all of my worries and troubles. A dialogue where He can assure me that everything will be alright because He is with me.

I’ve come up with my own acronym for prayer. You’ve seen them out there, but I wanted one that would fit into this writing. WORTH. What is our time with God worth? How can I make this time with Him meaningful? By following this plan, you’ll spend quality time with God and enjoy the blessings.

W – worship God for who He is and what He’s done in your life

O – observe what God is teaching you in the moment

R – repent of the times you’ve ignored God or spent little time with Him

T – tell Him what is on your mind…share your requests

H – humble yourself to His leading

My dear friend, God desires a real relationship with you. His desire is for you to approach His Throne, sit a while, and have a chat. A meaningful conversation. Don’t rush it. He has all the time in the world for you!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna