Slow Down and Enjoy the Ride
The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the person who seeks him. It is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD. Lamentations 3:25-26 (CBS)
These days, I am driving a school van for challenged children. I enjoy it very much and love the drive through the countryside each day. I am also aware that I torque the drivers behind me because I follow the speed limits. Being a thoughtful driver, when there are three cars behind me, I pull over and let them pass. I’m sure they are saying thank you (and other things as well). Ericka Loynes (Mornings with Jesus) has a message for all of us.
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While I was on my way to work one day, it seemed like every person on the road decided to drive the minimum speed limit. That would be commendable of course, if I wasn’t running late. Whether I sped up, slowed down, or changed lanes, I only got a few feet before approaching another driver who seemed to be on the road for a casual cruise.
Every fiber in my being wanted to zoom ahead and zip past those slowpokes to avoid being late, but I had a gnawing feeling I shouldn’t speed up and push my way through. Sometime when that feeling arises, I’ll see a patrol car a few moments later and feel relieved that I didn’t disregard the speed limit. But that was not the feeling this time. There was something deeper.
Too often I zip through the day trying to finish my to-do list of household responsibilities, work tasks, or passion projects. I accept the false belief that some days there’s not enough time to slow down and sit with Jesus before rushing off to work. I think that arriving at my destination quickly is more important than experiencing what’s happening along the journey.
Instead of a patrol car with flashing lights trying to get my attention, Jesus was signaling me. I needed to slow down and enjoy the ride with Him.
FAITH STEP: Be a slowpoke as you walk or drive down a familiar street. Take note of what you haven’t noticed before, thanking Jesus as you enjoy the journey with Him.
Heavenly Father, thank You for putting on the brakes and slowing us down to enjoy Your Presence. Forgive us when we get all wrapped up in our own business. Help us to obey Your speed limits and make time for You. AMEN.