I used to be of the mind set that faster is better. Maybe it was learning to drive in Houston, or living in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex for about 10 years, or just my own "need for speed", but I have moved past all of that now.
I wish I could say I have done this because of some great application of Romans 13:1, or at least a deep moral understanding. But the truth is, it comes from an understanding not of morals, but of money. That's right, the good ol' US Dollar has convinced me to drive slower.
Sure, I remember all of those Driver's Education Horror Films. Yes, I have seen the negative effects of speeding on the lives of people in the churches I have served. Of course, I have paid a traffic ticket or two as well. But none of that truly changed my lead foot.
On the other hand, when the right foot started draining the rear pocket of my trousers, I took a little more notice. When gas prices started bumping up to $4.00 per gallon, I finally listened to the talking heads on TV that said "slow down." I decided to test their theory and so I drove a little slower - I must admit I was skeptical, but I did it anyway.
Our vehicle has a computer that tells you the approximate fuel economy of the vehicle. So I drove one last time (well almost the last time) on the interstate at about 5 miles per hour above the speed limit and recorded the numbers in my head. Then on the return trip, I set the cruise at about 5 miles below the speed limit. And what do you know, it worked. We appeared to have increased our fuel economy by about 4 to 5 miles per gallon! Now I know some of you will argue other contributing factors such as uphill verses downhill driving, wind speed and direction, but the reality is to some degree, driving slower is cheaper.
So I decided that would be my motto. After several trips of this slower and cheaper method, I began to realize a few other things as well. No longer was I worried about the Highway Patrol stopping me, so instead of looking in the trees to see if they were stalking me, I began waving to them - well I thought about it at least. Really, though, I was more relaxed as a driver. No longer did I have to worry about the consequences of getting a ticket (Romans 13:3-4). Slower really is cheaper in this idea as well! Not only that, my overall anxiety and stress lowered. Now the trip was more enjoyable for me - and the family! And the downside of it taking longer really isn't much of a downside on trips of less than 100 miles - only about 10 minutes.
So I have decided - at least for now - to drive slower. Isn't it funny how abiding by the rules makes life more enjoyable? Driving below the speed limit reduced my stress and anxiety, saved me money and possibly saved my life or the life of someone in my family. The same is true in all areas of our lives. When we choose to live by God's rules, we no longer have a guilty conscience - we eliminate stress (Romans 13) and we move towards the abundant and joyful life God has for us (John 10:10) and we find life to last for all eternity when we receive Christ as our Savior (John 3:16). Maybe we could all slow down a little - in life or on the freeway. After all, I have learned it isn't that bad of a day when you get passed by someone whose age is in the triple digits!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment