February 27, 2009
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Driving Theology
Something terrible happens to me when I get into a car. I become not me. First of all, I hate driving. This is why Sam usually drives when we go someplace together. But when we're not together and I'm driving, my stress level skyrockets. This is especially true during commute. At that time, you will probably find my hand white-knuckled, tightly gripping the wheel. I feel like people are just crazy on the road. They cut in front of you. They don't signal. They brake suddenly. It stresses me out. I like control in my life, and the maneuverings of other people on the road is not something I can control. And it stresses me out.
Secondly, when I'm in the car, I know I need to work out my Christianity, but I find it very, very difficult because of all the crazy people out there. When driving, I really want people to obey the rules of the road and follow car etiquette. And when they don't, I get very miffed. Last Tuesday, on my commute to and from seminary, I honked at two cars and called a lady "stupid" for cutting in front of me and nearly causing an accident. It was a very frustrating drive. But whatever happened to grace, Mary Ann? Jesus' teachings apply to the road too. Instead of being annoyed and irritated, I should pray for those who have wronged me. Pray that God's blessings will pour on them -- even if they don't deserve it -- because the truth is, I don't deserve His blessings any more than the next guy. This is the Truth! And God doesn't have a limit to the blessings He can give out; why withhold that kind of prayer as if I thought blessing the crazy driver would mean I wouldn't get blessed too? Why am I stingy? Why am I judgmental? This biblical principle of praying for my 'enemy' has been something I have been trying to apply as I've been driving, but the truth is, something terrible happens to me when I get into the car! I'm not going to give up on this though. And hopefully, one day it'll truly be my driving theology (pun intended).
Comments (2)
I'm the same way. I, like most people, am usually in a rush to get somewhere, and I tend to take a fast pace whether I'm driving or walking somewhere. What irks me the most is when other drivers don't practice driving etiquette -- like making unnecessarily wide turns (that prevent you from going around) and taking a long time to do it, cutting you off and then going slow (and then making you miss a light), or driving slow in the fast lane.
The ironic thing is that there seems to be the most traffic (or, it really bothers me the most) when I'm in a hurry. A couple of times before, I made the conscious decision to practice patience, drive behind a slower car on the freeway, and enjoy my music. Certainly I could adjust my attitude to not be in such a hurry, especially if I'm not late for something. Much easier said than done!
hi mary ann,
thanks for sharing this! it is very comforting to know i'm not the only crazy christian! hahah just kidding. but yea, i too have struggles in my flesh but "know" as a christian, there is another way to view it and respond to it.
thanks for making me feel like another normal person.
cathy
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