How’s My Driving?

Short story long…

So back in the day, I drove a jillion miles chauffeuring my kids to church activities and lessons of all sorts. I even drove to concerts and events in Chicago! Though I will have to admit that was in the days before GPS and I got lost more often than not. But without strewing breadcrumbs, I was able to get back home without accident. Most times, anyway.

The funniest story was when I was rear ended in Chicago. A guy from Texas stopped and checked on us before the cops came. He stayed and offered to take the girls and me home. When the cop questioned the wisdom of allowing a perfect stranger to travel over an hour to our house, I said, “I’m not afraid! He’s a Texan!” Having that common bond with the man gave me the assurance we would be fine. That and a serious case of stupidity and naiveté. This was also the days before cell phones. We made it home to Ronald and Tarik who stood worriedly at the door. We fed the man supper and sent him on his way. I have prayed often for him since and trust God will continue to bless him as he blessed me.

Since we retired to Georgia, I have done very little driving. Ronald is letting me drive myself a few places now that I have the doctor’s permission to drive. The funny thing is though I do remember how to drive, I find I have to really concentrate.

First of all, I am a little hasty. I was trying to keep up with the guy ahead of me yesterday, and he must have been late for work. When I looked down at the gauge and saw I was going nearly 80, I started to back off. Since he was ahead and still speeding, I figured why not continue to follow his lead? The cops would catch him first.

But then, I am a chicken when it comes to passing. These winding roads of Georgia have put the fear into me. And those crazy rumble strips cause me to fuss at myself ever time I stray!

After so many years of not driving much, I am used to letting my mind wander and let my eyes enjoy the scenery. Not good. (refer to paragraph above.) Then there is fooling around with the radio, drinks, and snacks. Lots of distractions.

Then there is my music. I put on a CD. The faster the music, the heavier my foot gets. I start getting the vict’ry, and I get distracted.

SO

I will never put one of those crazy signs asking people to call in about my driving. I’m sure sooner or later a wonderful police officer will challenge my driving skills like the one in Chicago did long ago. In frustration (and 3 illegal left turns), he said though I was headed to a church, I needed more than God to help me.

I disagree. I make sure my heart is right with the Good Lord before I get behind the wheel. I always pray that I will cause no harm to man or beast.

I got to thinking about rumble strips and the Christian walk. Does God provide spiritual rumble strips to help us stay on His path? I think He does including His Word, the Holy Spirit, our conscience, and fellow believers.

“We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away” (Hebrews 2:1).

The New Testament is full of practical life skills that will keep us driving safely toward our destination of life eternal with Christ.

God is so good!

Blessings to all. Be safe. And watch out for crazy, old lady drivers.

Kara Beth