Being stuck behind the "slow car"

Recently our family took a road trip. If you have ever been on an extensive road trip anywhere you know there is a great likelihood of getting stuck behind a slow car at some point during the trip. This is especially true if there is construction or if it is a single lane road. There are times that this can feel like a nuisance and a bit frustrating. It can even be more frustrating when you are trying to pass them, but can't no matter what you do.

But, what if being stuck behind the slow car was actually a good thing for us?

We are so rush-rush in our lives. We eagerly await the next thing - next holiday - next adventure - the next moment. We move on from the old even before it is finished! (Think about the number of Christmas trees you see on the curb before Christmas Day is done.) When we are forced to slow down and not pass by the present opportunity we are truly living in the moment. Even when we are asked to embrace the slowness in front of us, we are still moving.

I know for me there have been times in my prayer that I'm asking God "Ok, what next?!" I'm ready to pass this slow and steady and do the next adventure. But perhaps it is simply for me to enjoy this slow and steady - to be present to each God given moment with joy. It is perhaps for me to be full of gratitude for this moment as it will not come again.

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Thank you Lord for the times you force me to be behind the slow car! Help me be present to each beautiful moment you have given me and not fret on what is to come next or wanting to get to the next thing faster. In your name, Amen.

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Simply a little pencil in God's hand,

Elizabeth