🌱All the Red Tape: What the DMV Taught me about Jesus

Nothing exposes your patience-or your heart- quite like the DMV. But that morning, buried under paperwork and pressure, I learned something surprising about Jesus.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” — John 13:34–35

I slid my check and driver’s license across the counter. The teller leaned in and said, “Ma’am, I can’t cash this. Your license is expired.” A cold wave of dread washed over me. That meant a trip to the DMV.

 I made an appointment for Monday at 10:45 and triple‑checked the website, determined to bring every document they could possibly ask for. Surely that would make things smoother.

When my turn finally came, I handed everything over with confidence. The clerk flipped through the papers and shook her head gently. “I’m sorry, ma’am. Your insurance paperwork is missing the declaration page.

My shoulders dropped. I didn’t have time to drive home and back before my 1 p.m. meeting.

 “What will work?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Do you have your car registration? Most people keep it in the glove box.”

 Hope flickered. “Yes—I think I do.”

I rushed across the parking lot. When I opened the glove compartment, napkins and plasticware tumbled to the floor. I dug through oil change receipts until I spotted the familiar courthouse envelope. Relief washed over me.

Back inside, I watched the digital clock tick down. Four minutes until my appointment. When I handed the registration to the clerk, she smiled. “You’re good to go. Number 107.”

I sank into a chair and let out a long breath. Finally, I had proved who I was, where I lived, and that I was insured.

As I waited, a quiet thought rose in my heart: I know who I am — but to others, I must prove it with documents. What proves to the world that I belong to Jesus?

Not paperwork.

Not credentials.

Not anything I can slide across a counter.

Love is our proof.

Love in how we show up for family and friends. Love in how we lift someone who’s struggling. Love in choosing patience with the driver who cuts us off or the person walking slowly in front of us. Love in putting someone else’s needs ahead of our own.

At the Last Supper, Jesus gave His disciples one final command: love one another. That command wasn’t just for them — it’s for every one of us who claim His name.

How do you love.

Typist for Jesus

If this Mustard Seed encouraged you, consider sharing it with a friend. Together we can spread the gift of Jesus, one seed at a time. Don’t forget to LIKE.