January 15, 2020 While not a universal North Country experience, I’m guessing many of us in the northern and western parts of the diocese can identify with this sentiment: Route 11 gives me road rage. Why? I’m not known for driving slowly. On Route 11, at least the portions I’m likely to travel, hills, curves and traffic make it almost impossible to pass if I end up behind a slower-moving vehicle. If you use GPS, it will tell you that Route 11 is the quickest route from my home in Moira to the diocesan offices is Ogdensburg. I don’t take Route 11, though. Even if it’s shorter, I find myself so frustrated by my inability to get around slow-moving vehicles, it makes the trip feel like it takes forever. I find myself behind the wheel yelling, either in my head or out loud, “COME ON! MOVE IT! PICK UP THE PACE!” I feel like I have no control over my commute. Control is a funny thing. I’m very attached to the idea of it. But, really, do we ever have it? Even when I’m taking my preferred route to work, Route 37, I can’t control the road conditions, other drivers, when I’ll get stuck behind a school bus… We never have total control. I struggle with that. As I discussed my Route 11 road rage, and my control issues in general, with a friend, he pointed me to this line from Proverbs: “Many are the plans of the human heart, but it is the decision of the Lord that endures.” I’ve added that quote to a note on my phone. I need to remind myself that God is in control. He has a purpose for every moment of my life, even if I can’t see it. Maybe God places me behind that slow-moving driver to help me avoid a collision with an animal or another vehicle. Maybe it’s to teach me patience (I’m a slow learner on that one). He has a purpose. His decision endures. Even if it gives me road rage. |
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