Lessons from the road <3
Over the weekend we made a quick back and forth out to far western Iowa. On the way home, we looped south and made a stop on the north side of St. Louis to give hugs and a set of crutches to Jack and Sarah.
Our routes included lots of pretty driving along all kinds of roads. Russ drove the lion’s share, but I gave him a break and drove a few hours across Missouri. Much of this was on I-70 and involved some areas of construction.
While there was no major work happening on a Sunday, I followed the rules for speed limits and such. I do this in construction zones even if there is no sign of work happening. If the threat of doubled fines wasn’t enough of an incentive, there are the real people I know who work these jobs.
One is the son of dear friends and one is a man who attended our Sunday school class for years and still serves as a greeter at church. He mentioned once that even if there is no work going on, there can be supervisors out checking areas. Their safety is at stake when we don’t follow the speed limit signs.
On Sunday there were several spots along the orange-coned zones where I would see pickups parked off to the side of the site. Maybe someone was working, maybe it was there for the next day. It’s not worth the risk of causing injury or even fear in someone working close to traffic.
But I am a small minority.
Other cars raced around me ignoring the signs and cones and threats and such.
They probably live around that area and know when things are happening and when they aren’t. Or they don’t care.
It makes me angry sometimes.
Especially when there is ample warning to merge into one lane and many speed along past those of us who have merged. They fly up to the actual closed lane and then scoot in front of all of us.
This makes me angry every time.
So yesterday as I continued on going whatever the mandated speed was with a few others who were following the rules for construction zones, being passed at dizzying speed by many others who weren’t, it got me thinking about the world in general.
There isn’t a darn thing I can do about the driver’s who don’t care and don’t abide by this law. My anger only damages me internally and spiritually. I have set my mind to obey whatever I am told in areas where workers can be or are present.
I am only responsible for me and what I do.
It’s the same way in a culture that seems to speed past me, in decisions that are made that seem wrong to me, in the fallout from all the ills of our day and age. Much doesn’t seem fair or right, but how am I making my way down the path?
That’s the only thing I have control over.
To be content in my lane, going my speed, doing what I know to be right…this is my part in all of this. Oh, and taking some deep breaths and letting go of any residual anger that may rise up. This anger is a form of unforgiveness and is sure to produce a hardened heart in me.
None of this is easy and I know I know God’s help by the hour to stay the course.
How are you doing with this?
Maybe we could pray together…
Heavenly Father,
Help me when I feel anger rising over the choices and decisions of others that are reckless, thoughtless, and selfish. Lord, remind me when I want to judge others for doing wrong; that, in different areas and situations, I also choose what serves my interests while ignoring the needs of others. I am quick to justify my own bending of rules while condemning those who break rules I stand firmly on.
Father, you are the only one who is always right, always pure in motive, always just, always fair. Teach me to do what is right to the best of my ability and to simply lift others in prayer when I am at odds with them. Thank you for your on-going grace and mercy when I fail and for your patience with me as I learn to increasingly choose to follow you.
Thank you for your love for us and for your care.
Amen <3