05-03-25

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
May 3, 2025
So I’m driving down Cypresswood Drive, and I changed lanes so I could be in the left lane because, in less than a quarter mile, I needed to make a lefthand turn. Suddenly an older model Honda Civic came up very quickly behind me. The owner of the vehicle had done a muffler modification so the Civic sounded like a very loud race car. He kept getting very close to my bumper and then backing off, each time revving his engine. Of course, I am wanting to make a lefthand turn in less than 250 feet at that point, so I’m not going to get in the right lane. I finally move into the turn lane when I could and he came up beside me. We both stopped because the light was red. His window was down and he yelled something not so kind about how I was in the wrong lane. Now I understand that you do not drive 53 mph in the left lane on the interstate for miles and miles, but on a city street, when you are planning on making a lefthand turn, it is extraordinarily helpful to be in the left lane. And I was going 3 or 4 miles over the speed limit. I have seen people turn from the right lane, crossing another lane of traffic, cutting off other cars, and nearly causing an accident. I would not recommend it. My point is that there are some moments in life when those around you will act with great certainty that you are in the wrong space because they are so entirely caught up in their own thing and trying to get to their own destination. No matter how loud they might sound, if you feel confident that you are in the right place, don’t give an inch; keep on going; this too shall pass. 

Help create within me a spirit of confidence, O Lord of the journey, as I seek to find my way in a world that is often trying to turn in a different direction. Amen.