Thursday, February 28, 2008

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

21 comments:

Dawn said...

Yikes! This just hit me between the eyes!

Knitting Mania said...

Hey you, you've been tagged, by me. Wink, play the game too!

Emancipation of the Freed said...

Nice life lesson, thanks for sharing your heart so openly. I love you.

Tom

Art said...

Oh wow... you've really gone to meddlin' there. Ouch.

Karen said...

I love your transparency. It is a beautiful quality. Thanks for sharing you!

Deb said...

Thanks for showing us that side of you and for showing us how you held yourself accountable.

.......so now what do you drive? He he just kidding!

Louise said...

Wow that is really good!! I am guilty...yikes!

Susan said...

Yeah for this great, honest post. I think this is true of many, especially men. God is so faithful!!!! He will not leave us where he finds us.....especially when we are willing. You are willing in this area and it is the heart he looks at.
Susan

Tammy said...

This was such a good post...we all have areas like this!
I don't get too vocal behind the wheel, but I do mumble at drivers quietly. LOL But even this can be wrong if it's constant, because it shows a negative, complaining attitude...ugh.
Thanks for a great reminder and for sharing your heart!

Scarlet said...

Funny, I asked God to transform me, too...about a month ago. I should write a post about how quickly he answered my prayer.

Your story reminds me of how much we all have in common, our struggles, and how God can answer us all, and transform us if we only take the time to ask for his help. :)

Ann(ie) said...

Guilty here, too. :(

Anonymous said...

Peace is a very good thing :) Thanks for the reminder.

Don C. said...

Thanks for sharing Nadine. I love that you're so real. I, and many others too, obviously, can totally identify with the struggle between the soul nature and spirit nature in ourselves.

You're a blessing!

j said...

A little thing but a pretty big spot in my life too. But mine has been played out in front of my kids. Not such a great witness to them when I am driving. Thanks for the gentle reminder...Jen

Shionge said...

This is indeed wonderful that you shared your thoughts with us :D

Keshi said...

u r so honest and unafraid to find yourself making mistakes too...thats what I love abt ya Nadine. U R RARE n PRECIOUS!

Keshi.

Cheri said...

Great food for thought.

Cherrye said...

I was like that a few years ago when I worked at a university in Beaumont. Stress, Stress, Stress. Then, one day I just decided NOT to let the traffic get to me. It worked. I am MUCH calmer, I don't yell (as often) when someone cuts me off, and I arrive much more relaxed!!

Good for you!

Knit-Wit said...

It'll be interesting to see how this story continues! Let us know in a month or two.

The Edwards said...

GREAT life lesson, THANKS for sharing...

eph2810 said...

I had to chuckle when I read about your 'road rage'. I was the same way (oh - sometimes it still rears its ugly head)...but, most of the time I wish the driver who cut me off a wonderful day - it makes a huge difference when He changes our heart, doesn't it?