Fast Lane Living

I’m one of those that operates under a sense of urgency. Nearly all the time.

For a long time I annoyed even myself operating out of this manner. After many debates with the Lord about this trait in me, I now understand it is how I’m wired and can appreciate it as a gift from my Father that makes me uniquely me. I’m learning how to balance this feeling that everything needs to have been done yesterday and learning how to use that drive when I need to get things done, yet not miss out on the journey and enjoyment of life.

What does that have to do with anything?

Well- you see, I was driving in the fast lane the other day and it gave me something to think about. I’ve recognized this fast lane living about myself for some time. However, I gained a new perspective when I was out driving on this particular morning. While I was driving, the sunrise was directly behind me- in my rear view mirror. It was the fiery pink, red and orange strokes in the sky that caught my eye. I was sad it was behind me and I couldn't take in the beauty of the first moments of a new day, but I was grateful I could catch glimpses here and there through the mirror.

Until.

Until I could no longer catch even a quick glimpse because I was now driving directly parallel to this beauty that was unfolding in the sky. While I continued to maintain my stance in the fast lane, I would quickly turn my head to grab another glimpse of the fiery strokes highlighting the silhouettes of the mountains. Of course, only when I could do so without creating a disturbance amongst the cars around me. That’s when the question came. “How often are you driving in the fast lane and missing out on the beauty I have for you?”

Ouch.

I’ve had this conversation many times with the Lord. Not living life so fast and taking time to stop and smell the roses per say. “But…” my spirit responded. “This is how you made me. We’ve already had this discussion.”

Ahhhhh… Light bulb moment! Yes- while this is how I was uniquely made and while I can still honor that trait my Maker gave me, at the same time I need to take note of which seat I am occupying. The driver’s seat or the passenger’s seat. Or even in the back seat fast asleep. That can make all the difference in the world. While I believe this sense of urgency helps me to do much of the work my Father gives me, I know I will be much more effective if I’m in the passenger’s seat. Not to mention, I’ll spend less energy trying to figure out where to go and get to take in more of the surrounding beauty of life.

While driving in the fast lane can often get a bad rap, I think its best to take a look at which seat you find yourself in. Now here’s a thought… Perhaps sometimes we need to step up our game and riding in the fast lane with the Ultimate Driver is the way to do that. While the season of life and surrounding circumstances will often determine the lane you travel, pay attention to the seat you occupy, in your little race car.

Either way, whichever lane you find yourself in- buckle up and lets enjoy the ride [in the passenger's seat]! 

In Memory

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While I was processing the thoughts above as they swirled around in my head, one of the most faithful race runners I know went to be with his Father. Brother Doug had the most energy I have ever seen a single soul posses. He had a love for the Lord that was bigger than life and his passion was to share that love and see others  [especially children] come to love the same God he did. This man was the greatest example of living life in the fast lane while allowing his Father to control the steering wheel. None of us were ready to see him go home, but I know we are all forever grateful for the example he set of running the race. You ran the race well, Brother Doug!