For ten years of my twenty-six year teaching career, I commuted almost fifty miles each day. Those of you who endure the same or worse understand that it is: 1) boring, 2) a waste of time, and 3) FRUSTRATING! The roadways are filled with thoughtless, rude drivers who can raise your blood pressure to dangerous levels if you’re not careful.
One day, after yet another encounter with a dreadful driver, I started to sing, “To God Be the Glory”—an old hymn that is still a favorite of many folks. Only I stumbled upon new words that fit my situation: “To God be the glory in spite of the jerks who travel the turnpike and drive me berserk!”
It made me chuckle. The tension in my shoulders began to relax.
M-m-m, I thought. I may be on to something.
For the next several weeks I spent my commuting time working thoughts into rhymes and rhymes into the rhythm of the old hymn. Here are the results.
The South Florida Commuter Song
To God be the glory in spite of the jerks
Who travel the turnpike and drive me berserk!
I’ll focus on Jesus and all of His works,
Improving my attitude and calming my nerves.
Praise the Lord for the trees, and the birds on the wing!
Praise the Lord for the clouds, and this song I can sing!
I’ll thank Him for His promises and victories won,
And for taking frustration and making it fun!
I’ll pray for the poor bloke who speeds out of sight.
He’s clueless I’ll see him at an upcoming light.
I’ll pray for his safety, since he’s unconcerned,
And hope in the process some patience I learn!
Praise the Lord for the sun as it spangles the sky.
Praise the Lord for the ponds, and the mist on the rise.
I’ll thank Him for creation, its beauty sublime.
Renouncing frustration, His peace I shall find.
And when drivers speed by then squeeze in ahead,
Replace my frustration with your grace instead.
Remind me they don’t know you, they’re striving alone.
I pray they may seek you, and make you their own.
Praise you, Lord! I am yours, and you’re always with me.
Help me lean, and be serene, even when folks are mean.
I pray for Your Spirit to take full control
As over the highways and byways I roll.
There’s one more group of drivers that I must address.
They pull out in front of me, then drive like Aunt Bess!
They poke along slowly, yet still make the light,
But then the light turns red—I’M stuck! What a fright
How upset I can get when others drive thoughtlessly!
But I have heard from Your word how You want me to be:
As loving and forgiving as You are to me.
So when others drive like Aunt Bess, I’ll say, “God bless!”
© Nancy Ruegg 2008
Are you smiling? I hope so. And perhaps you’ll be inspired to turn a frustration in your life into an attitude-changing song. If you do, please share it with us!
From the Inside Out 
Big Smile. very creative and funny.
Thanks, Jean. So glad you liked it!
Nancy I love your song!
Thank you, Ana!
Oh, so smiling here, Nancy. You have done Christian commuters everywhere a wonderful service. Yay!
Thank you, Jody! Your comment has me visualizing a scene of Christian commuters everywhere singing this song–at the same time. We could do it in four-part harmony!!
Love the twist, very creative and very encouraging.
Thanks Nancy :o)
Thank YOU, Bobbi. Your encouragement means much!
Brings a smile to my face. I wasn’t that spiritual as I commuted. I’ll have to share this with my son, he writes hymns. You might like to hear his first album. Go to: http://ericgraef.bandcamp.com/track/preach-to-yourself
So glad I could make you smile, Rita! Thank you for the link to your son’s music, too. My favorite line: “Remember the grace that first gave you confidence in the hope of His glory.” That’s amazing grace, alright. And that same grace will see us through to eternity. Uplifting thoughts!
I’m adding this one to next weeks bulletin! 🙂
Oh, no–it’s meant to be sung from a car seat, not a pew!
Love this! So creative!
‘Glad you liked it!
I love this, I will remember to pray for the jerks on the road. Thanks Nancy
Soon there should be less jerks on the road–with all of us praying for them! ‘Glad you liked the song.
Nancy, you mom shared your blog site and I’ve looked through several postings. I particularly needed this song Thursday a.m. as I drove William Cannon between the bowling alley and Bannockburn BC. I had to laugh as one car nearly cut me off zigzagging through traffic going probably 5 mph more than anyone else. As I pulled into the left turn lane at Brodie, there he was in one of the straight through lanes waiting for the light!! I look forward to following you. Ron Howell
Thank you very much for becoming a follower, Ron. Laughing in traffic sure beats loathing, right? I pray that more posts will speak joy and encouragement into your life. Blessings as you prepare for tomorrow!
I really enjoyed this! What a great example of finding humor and joy in a frustrating experience and turning it into praising God instead of becoming angry and bitter!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the song for commuters. And thank you very much, Seija, for visiting my blog!
Nancy, you are so creative! I thoroughly enjoyed your humor and could relate to it as many drivers on US 19 fit the picture. Thank you for being so human.
Ruth Lott
It’s a great pleasure to me that others enjoy this parody. As for being human–it’s what I do best!!