Musings from the office on the hill

​Fun times are happening.  I’m talking about my driving experience to get here each week.  Oh, so much fun….NOT!
 
So, I bought one of those new Garmin GPS devices to help me get around the city.  It’s been wonderful in so many ways.  It tells me where to go on a regular basis. NO, NOT THAT WAY.
 
It also has a forward-facing camera and alerts me to traffic hazards and other things happening on the road such as accidents, delays, and even those pesky traffic cameras!  It’s very helpful even to suggest alternative routes, which I usually ignore because I want to experience the full meal deal.
 
As a bonus, it also tells me when I am straying over the lines in the road – which can certainly be VERY annoying when you are deliberately changing lanes and trying to focus.  The “twiddle-dee-dee” sound can be startling if you’re praying you don’t bash into some speeder changing lanes from the right in your blind-spot.  And while I’m complaining, I must say that I find the “Forward collision warning” frustrating when someone zips in front of me and steals my safe driving distance.  I know I’m at risk, THAT’S WHY I LEFT THE SPACE! 
 
But the WORST “Twiddle-dee-dee” sound comes blasting into my ear when the stopped traffic (which is frequent) begins to move.  It flashes a blue headline and that annoying “twiddle-dee-dee” to alert me that the traffic is moving.    I can see the traffic is moving!  I’m moving, for heaven sake!
 
I suppose this feature is required in the annoying sound list because many people are busy playing with their phones. And yes, if you’re wondering, I do know I can turn all this off!  However, It’s like driving with a backseat driver that can occasionally be helpful….but mostly it is terribly irritating, infuriating, bothersome, exasperating, aggravating, frustrating, trying, grating and generally A PAIN! (THANK YOU THESAURUS!  I would have come up with those words if I wasn’t so distracted with “Twiddle-dee-dee” every five seconds!
 
This got me to thinking that I am grateful God didn’t implant a device in us to keep us on the “Straight and Narrow” path of faith.  It might not shut off….ESPECIALLY WHEN I’M TRYING TO DRIVE.
 
Rant over.  Perhaps you might be wondering if your new pastor has some spiritual insight in how to drive less stressed. 
 
Sure:

1. Leave more time to get to your destination.
2. Change lanes with less jerkiness.
3. Play something soothing.  Don’t get your news updates.  They aren’t good these days.
4. PUT THE DARNED PHONE AWAY.  (sorry, that was a bit loud).
5. Be gracious to other drivers (if they have their signal on, they would like you to let them in.  It’s a God thing to be gracious).
6. Think happy thoughts.
7. Pray for the persons in the cars near you.
8. Pray for the hospitals and schools you pass.
9. Pray for the spirit of God to guide you.

10.TWIDDLE-DEE-DEE (DON’T CLOSE YOUR EYES WHEN YOU PRAY AND DRIVE).
 
Peace,
 
Pastor Neil