I often feel sure that a bunch of retired Aubrey folks take turns waiting at the Exxon station in Cross Roads for the sole purpose of timing their 6 mile return into Aubrey at 5:20 pm each day. Their rule is to set their speed control on 45 mph and make their way leisurely home just as the working crowd is returning from work.
I know that this is not really the case but it sure seems like this is happening – especially on days when we need to be at another location by a specific time – like a grandson’s ball game that starts at 5:30 pm. It would be great if all of us just drove the posted speed limit. If you don’t have much to do, this probably does not resonate with you. I hope it isn’t making anyone mad. I know it really is none of my business how fast you drive. There can be plenty of good reasons for the cautious driving mode. But, certain days there will be cars stacked up 8 to 12 deep behind the driver going 45 mph for the 6 miles into Aubrey. I can never see whether the driver has a smile on their face – but I bet they do.
This subject certainly doesn’t have any spiritual implications other than the negative aspect of making us angry. It goes to our patience mode and tests our willingness to think beyond our own needs. I’m 75 years old and this slowpoke driving bothers me. That just goes to prove I’ve not grown in the grace of patience and how it relates to kindness. We all tend to like having our way. I have to stop and think real hard when I get into a situation where I’m obviously being “rubbed” the wrong way.
There’s a lot said about patience and kindness in the Word.
The passage that comes to mind for most of us are Colossians 3:12 (NIV): “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, humility, gentleness and patience.
Paul again tells us in 2 Timothy 3:10 (NIV): “You know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance.”
Peter acknowledges Paul’s advice regarding patience. In 2 Peter 3:15 (NIV): “Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.”
The Hebrew writer in Hebrews 6:12 (NIV): “We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.”
Proverbs 19:11 (NIV): “A person’s wisdom yields patience: it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”
Why is patience one of the graces that are universally acknowledged as being difficult to practice? Patience is something a Christian must aspire to. It is a grace that’s an obvious command. It looks like I might be a little lazy, quick to forget our Lord’s patience and perhaps show that I also am lacking in wisdom. None of these traits are admirable and reveals my need for closer attention to God’s word.
On my way to Aubrey, I’ll have to quit listening to talk radio and put in a good CD or find a station that’s playing “road rage remedy” type music. Maybe I could also safely look at the beautiful upcoming spring occurring just outside my car window while I’m musing along at 45 mph.
