The above picture illustrates what was happening to me on Highway 13. I’m driving in my pickup 60mph headed to Prentiss from Magee,Ms. That’s 5mph above the speed limit, but still in the safe, “you won’t get a ticket” speed zone. Well, that’s what everybody says. I look in my rear view mirror. One, two, three cars and a truck are immediately behind me. It’s obvious to me that I am holding everyone back. I’m going faster than I should and yet they are trying to go around me.
Now I notice that there are ice patches on the road and bridges I’m crossing. Well, I’m slowing down to……52mph! You would have thought I had kicked their puppy, or stolen their kids candy,…..or “rang” my Ms State cowbell out the window at them as I drive. The looks and honk they gave me let me know they were ticked off. What did I do? I’m driving barely under the speed limit now because of the ice, and it’s annoying the cars behind me.
Two cars have passed, but now four are behind me. If you’ve ever driven hwy 13, you know it’s straight as an arrow, but with small up and down hills all along. Every time I get to the top of one of these hills, another car passes. That’s when I get another look from the driver that I’m annoying them. Apparently I’m doing something wrong. Why is everyone in such a hurry? Here comes a truck passing me now, I bet this guy’s doing seventy. Hey! I know that guy! He didn’t even wave he’s in such a hurry.
These other drivers are making me want to speed just to keep up with everyone else. Then we will all be in a hurry, but I’m guessing that none of us will really know why. It’s reminding me of that old country song by the group Alabama. “I’m in a hurry but don’t know why. I rush and rush until life’s no fun” It’s an old song. Google it.
I’m being passed again by a young fellow in a red sporty looking car. I should also share that I am now driving a measly 50 mph. I give him my best “country boy how ya doin’ wave”. He gives me his best “three finger salute” It’s on now! I’m going to join in on this speed game. I don’t want people to make me feel that I’m annoying, or going too slow, or not living in the fast lane like they are. It reminds me. It reminds me……… of being a Christian in this rat race world we live in.
Psalm 46:10New American Standard Bible (NASB)10 “ Be Still (Cease striving) and know that I am God;”
That’s what we need to do. I’m not saying to stop and be still on hwy 13. You’ll get “runned over”. I’m saying we need to Be still and know God. Cease striving, quit being in a hurry (spiritually) just because everyone else is. Spend a little time with God. He may show you some “ice patches” to avoid in your life. I can assure you that He is never annoyed when you slow down from life’s distractions.
So in my spiritual journey, if it looks like I’m traveling too slow for you, I still want you to wave as you pass. Even give me the salute if you feel like it, (careful, I know that language myself and I might salute back!). Maybe you’re passing me because of having to be busy just to stay ahead of others. Maybe it’s just a habit you have. You know, passing others just to feel important. Maybe “the more I do, the better person I am” has become your religion. Maybe you rush and rush (spiritually) until life’s no fun. Look back in your rear view mirror and you’ll see me Being (cease striving) and getting to know God. I might even be pulling off on the side of the road every now and then.
See Ya! Dan Ainsworth wilderness preacher
