Driving Lesson

Lately I’ve been asking God to transform me. Help me to have more of Him and less of me. These types of prayers God answers freely in case you’re wondering. On the way to work I realized there is an area in my life that is not under submission to Him. What area is that you ask? Driving.

When I’m behind the wheel there is part of me that is transformed in a bad way. I get impatient. I hate driving behind a semi truck or any truck for that matter. If someone is not doing the speed limit I just want to scream. I usually do, but no one hears me. No one…well not really no one. The One that matters most hears me.

What does it matter if I say the right things or act the right way when I have an audience? It doesn’t matter. I’m the type of gal that you can say, “What you see is what you get.” If you ever drove with me in the car though, I would contain my frustrations. I think it’s because I’m distracted by pleasant company and conversation. When I’m alone, it’s another story.

So this morning I was quickly convicted of my road rage. I asked for forgiveness. Now here’s the thing about behavioral issues. When you desire to change and ask God for forgiveness, He gives you opportunity to see if change takes place. Have I changed under my own strength or have I embraced a true change through the power of the Holy Spirit?

On the way home, I had opportunity to see where my change came from. I was stuck behind a truck almost two minutes into my ride. I didn’t get frustrated. I didn’t mumble or complain out loud. I took a deep breath and thanked God for helping me recognize an area I needed change. I had the most peaceful ride home I’ve had in the longest time even though it seemed everyone I got behind went under the speed limit.

© Nadine Z. 2008