We’ve Come a Long Way, Baby

Last Sunday, our pastor, Dr. Jonathan Spencer, opened his sermon with a story that made me smile. In 2008, two men — Travis and Gary — were on a work trip in Paris, frustrated because they couldn’t find a taxi. Somewhere between the rain and the cobblestone streets, an idea sparked: what if you could request a ride with just a tap on your phone? It wasn’t instant, but eventually… voilà — Uber was born!

Fast forward to today: millions of rides happen every day because of that one spark of ingenuity.

I remember my first Uber. I was heading home early from a visit with my daughter and family in Florida, and my friendly driver calmed my nerves about trying this “new thing.”

Years later, Carl and I were in Cabo San Lucas using Uber like pros — hopping from one spot to another while chatting with our Mexican drivers (thank you, translation app!).

I couldn’t help but marvel at how different travel looks compared to when my mama and daddy were young. They grew up with horse-drawn carriages and cars that were more crank-and-pray than push-start-and-go.

We really have come a long way, baby. And isn’t that part of the beauty of living in this moment of history? God didn’t stop creating after Genesis 1. He planted ideas in minds, stirred curiosity, and invited His people to innovate.

Ecclesiastes 7:29 reminds us that “God created mankind upright” — built to think, imagine, and build. James 1:17 tells us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” That includes technology, medicine, and creativity that make life safer, richer, and often just a little more fun.

Sure, there are days when change feels overwhelming (hello, passwords and new phone updates!). But when we stop resisting and start appreciating, we can see God’s fingerprints on so many of the advancements we enjoy today.

The same Spirit who gave Noah the blueprints for an ark and Bezalel the creativity to build the tabernacle (Exodus 31:3-5) is still inspiring innovation.

So let’s open our eyes, ears, and hearts to the wonder of living now. Air travel, FaceTime with grandkids, safe surgeries, GPS that rescues us when we’re lost — all gifts that remind us God is still moving and blessing His world.

Psalm 118:24 says it best: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Let’s embrace it with gratitude, curiosity, and joy.