Stuck in Traffic

The other day I was traveling on I-64 when suddenly everything came to a halt.  These days, it seems like a common occurrence on an interstate.  This time, I could actually see what the situation was.  There was an accident about 15 cars in front of me.  So many times when I’m stuck in traffic I never know what the situation ahead of me might be that’s brought everything to a halt.  Sometimes it’s an accident, sometimes it’s construction, and sometimes I never know.  Usually when everything stops, my first thought is, “Great, how long is this going to take.”  The next thing I do is look on my phone to see if there’s an alternate route.

But this time was different.  This time I could actually see what the problem was right there in front of me.  People were hurt.  I found myself not thinking about how late I was going to be and what an inconvenience this was in my day.  Instead, I got my dog out of the car, walked her in the grass and entered into a time of prayer for those up there in front of me.  It was a good lesson.  Actually, what came to mind was Matthew 6:25: Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?  Now in my situation, it was worded a little differently:  Derek, don’t worry about your schedule, what time you’ll get there and how late you’ll be.  Is not life more than your time and your agenda?

After everything was clear, when the ambulance and fire trucks pulled away, I loaded up my dog and we went on our way.  But this time, I wasn’t saying to myself, “FINALLY!”  No, this time I was thinking about how life just dramatically changed for someone up there and my concern was for them, not me.  I hope this lesson on I-64 is remembered the next time traffic comes to a halt, even if I don’t know what’s happening in front of me.  I hope this lesson permeates into other areas of my life, whenever I find myself worrying about the wrong things.

Peace,

Pastor Derek