Pick a Lane, Any Lane

This morning I really felt God speak directly to my heart. He said “Just Breathe.”

That was the answer to the 20 minute prayer I had. To take a deep breathe and relax. To just trust Him the way that I say I do.

He then showed me (while driving) how a highway has 3 lanes: The fast lane, the middle lane and the slow lane. He asked me which lane I thought I should be in. I admitted that I’m usually in the middle lane, using the fast lane for passing any annoying driver. I rarely use the slow lane. He then showed me a deeper look at these 3 lanes. The fast lane has extreme ups and downs. People drive as fast as traffic will allow but are often found slamming on their breaks, swerving and using the other 2 lanes to get around people in their way. They’re often anxious and easily bothered by those around them. Other cars cause an inconvenience to them. The value of their time and destination is the only thing on their mind. The middle lane is like a fence warmer. They often use the fast and slow lane depending on how the other people around them are driving. It’s usually a fairly steady drive but you have to constantly be aware of people cutting you off and coming in and out of your lane. You also have to beware of the fast lane drivers who decide to cross your lane in order to get to the slow lane for exiting last minute. Although it seems to be a safe middle lane, it actually requires more attention and focus than you might think. It’s not fast and it’s not slow, it’s a bit warm and uneasy. The slow lane is where you often see people cruising with a smile on their face. They’re not in a rush and are only cut off by the occasional driver who uses the slow lane as a way to bypass the middle lane “slow” drivers. The slow lane gives you the most control and peace as you can see the scenery around you and be prepared for your exit when the time comes.

So God challenged me: which lane AM I in and which lane do I WANT to be in? Turns out, I want to be a slow lane driver. So I did just that. I got out of the rush hour traffic and joined the lane often held by the elderly and big trucks. And I can’t say it wasn’t challenging to not try and join the cars zooming by to my left, but it sure was peaceful driving at my own pace. Maybe the old people aren’t so much slow drivers…it’s just that they’ve lived long enough to know that the fast lane doesn’t REALLY get you to where you want to be in the end. It just keeps you in the flow of the things that seem important at the time.