Bridges

95% of the time I’m a really good driver. I’m cautious, I follow the rules, and I don’t speed. The other 5% is because the majority of my driving career has taken place in Rwanda. Sometimes I do some things that make me want to get out of my car and walk over to the other driver to apologize. I drive through a stop sign, or swerve around a car in a “no passing zone” (with an oncoming car in the other lane) and I don’t think anything of it…until the other driver honks at me or gives me a confused look. If you’re reading this and I’ve cut you off or seemingly narrowly missed your vehicle, I apologize. It’s a habit, and I’m trying to break it.

Speaking of driving, the other day there were some pretty heavy showers. I was driving down the highway and every time I went under a bridge the rain “stopped.” Obviously it didn’t really stop, but for a second the rain stopped pelting my windshield, and it was quiet.

I think God is a lot like a bridge. When we are caught in a storm God hovers over us. Not all the time, but when we really need it, He makes the rain “stop.” I think the rain continues to fall, but we can’t feel it or hear it because He’s blocking it.

[I didn't take this picture. Google is just so good at meeting my photo needs.]

The problem is, we can’t hide under the bridge forever. We have to keep moving because we’re running a race. We take a break, under the bridge of Christ, catch our breath, and then march on. God knows how much we can handle. He’ll build another bridge to cover us down the road when we’re soggy again and worn out from the storm. And eventually we’ll run our way out of the storm into clear skies. Rain doesn’t last forever.

Also, while we’re on the analogy of highways, there’s usually a speed limit and a speed minimum sign. There is nothing wrong with choosing to go the minimum speed, or a speed less than the maximum. It’s all right if other cars are whizzing past you. Don’t let it discourage you. We’re all at different places in our relationship with God. Some of us get to drive a fancy sports car and cruise just slightly above the speed limit while others of us get to drive an old Honda closer to the speed minimum.

I do drive a Honda, but I don’t usually drive the speed minimum. I’ll continue to work on getting rid of my Rwanda driving habits and be content with where God has me. And right now He has me in a really beautiful place.