Years ago and for the span of a decade, I commuted a half hour each way to and from the school where I taught.
Needless to say I saw all kinds of drivers: the speed demons and poke-alongs, the weavers and squeezers, the distracted and multi-taskers—each one an accident waiting to happen, each one confident that he or she was not.
One day a young man on a motorcycle whizzed by, darting between vehicles left and right in search of the fastest lane. This was not in near standstill traffic; it was on a stretch of Florida Turnpike where the speed limit is seventy.
Oh, Lord, I thought. Talk about an accident waiting to happen. That boy has no idea the danger he’s creating for himself and everyone else in his path.
A few minutes later I reached my exit and gasped aloud. Lying in the grass in the middle of the cloverleaf turn-off was that young motorcyclist, far separated from his twisted bike.
A few people were already hunched over him, perhaps from the nearby tollbooth area. I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw his leg move.
Every now and then that scene comes to mind. I imagine that young man as he straddled his cycle that morning, anxious to be on his way for another exhilarating trip of engine revving, speed, and clever maneuvering.
No doubt a trip to the hospital never even crossed his mind.
The young often do live in a fantasy world of invincibility. And those of us with a bit more life-experience shake our heads at their carelessness.
But fast-lane living isn’t the singular domain of speeders and teenage boys on motorcycles.
Even a retired schoolteacher like me can forget: life is fragile.
Not that I drive recklessly or take foolish chances.
But I am very capable of rushing through a to-do list and missing an opportunity to provide joy in someone else’s life. I can breeze right past the blessings-of-the-moment because I’m focused on something down the road.
I can even forget the values I hold dear, including attentiveness to God and loving compassion for others.
It is downright foolish of me to live in a fantasy of invincibility, as if there will always be plenty of tomorrows for attentiveness and compassion, while cruising along in the fast lane of frenzied activity.
Instead, I’d rather cup my hands around each day and:
Find wonder in the common. “The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribable, magnificent world in itself” (Henry Miller).
Take note of the everyday miracles. “Looking is the beginning of seeing” (Sister Corita Kent).
Hug often. “Hugs are one of the reasons God gave us arms. So stretch out your arms to someone today . . . It will warm the heart of the giver and give light to the soul of the recipient” (Unknown).
Laugh easily.
Value every person. “The way we treat others is more about who we are, not who they are” (Unknown, emphasis added).
Forgive quickly. “Forgiveness isn’t about letting the other person off the hook. It’s about keeping the hooks of bitterness from getting into you” (Gabrielle Bernstein).
Avoid negativity. “Beautiful things happen when you distance yourself from negativity” (Unknown).
Choose joy. “True contentment is the power of getting out of any situation all that there is in it” (G. K. Chesterton).
* * * * * * * * * *
Lord God, I have so much to be thankful for, including this cloudy, cozy day and the welcome chill in the air. I thank you for this moment, complete with winking candle, hazelnut coffee, and soft music to keep me company as I write.
Thank you also for the designated purpose you ordain for each person. Because I am still alive, you still have plans to fulfill through me, especially to bless others. For that I am also grateful.
Keep me mindful, I pray, that fast lane living is not only foolish, it is dangerous to my soul.
(1 Thessalonians 5:18; Psalm 37:23; Proverbs 19:21; Ephesians 2:10)
What will you cup your hands around today? Tell us about it in the comment section below!
(Revised and reblogged from September 14, 2017 while my husband is in the hospital after a small stroke. We’re awaiting test results that will determine the way forward. All is well; God is good!)
(Art & photo credits: www.commons.wikimedia.org (2); www.needpix.com; http://www.rawpixel.com; http://www.publicdomainpictures.net; Nancy Ruegg.)
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We have motorcyclists who do that in Denver traffic. I call it Russian Roulette, because of how outrageous it is.
That’s a good name for it, all right!
Praying, Nancy!
Thank you Mitch! His last test is today, checking the valves on the backside of his heart.
A young motorcyclist recently lost his life a half mile from where I live. He had just purchased the motorcycle the day before. A young car driver exiting a gas station pulled out in front of him. Life is so precious, and drivers (including myself when I rubberneck or flip radio stations) aren’t giving 100% of their attention to driving! I hope your husband continues to improve.
Nancy, to clarify my comment, I hope your husband’s health continues to improve-not his driving! 🙂
I knew what you meant, Nancy. 😁 SO many people drive distracted by their phones. It’s another risky behavior!
A great reminder, Nancy! Well done.
Thank you, Dwight–and praise God for his inspiration!
Yes!
We gain nothing by speeding through life, Nancy, and gain everything when we slow down, notice the little things, and thank God for them all in turn. Recent experiences are emphasizing that for me; I will be expounding on these in future blogs. Thanks for these reminders that every day is meant to be treasured and lived to the fullest.
Absolutely, Martha. We miss so much when we hurry through our days!
Nancy, yes it is easy to speed right on to the next thing and perhaps miss the best thing!
Prayers for your husband’s full recovery🙏🏻
Well said, Pam! And thank you so much for your prayers. His last test is today. Then we’ll find out what’s next!
So sorry to hear about your husband in hospital. I pray that he has a good medical team to sort through the next course of action. Even in times of uncertainty we can have the knowledge that our God is in control. I’m sure you already know that. I will also pray for you as you are going through this.
Thank you, Kathy. Steve is receiving excellent care. We’ve been so impressed with the staff’s attentiveness and compassion. Our D-I-L is also a physician and she’s been very helpful, as always. We feel very blessed!
So glad he is well cared for. He also has the Great Physician at his side. Blessings to both of you.
We have definitely felt the peace and presence of God! One of the residents told us we’re the calmest room on her rotation. She already knows Steve is a retired pastor, that we’re people of faith. I hope the connection between “calm” and Christ gives her something to think about!
I extend my prayers for your husband’s recovery, Nancy. Thank you for sharing this information so that your readers can unite behind you. Your post speaks to a silver lining of retirement (to match the silver hair!) My inclination has always been to squeeze as much productivity as I can out of every day. I still wake up each morning with that intent, but a slower pace and a lighter schedule allow me to be more invested in the moment, the little things, and in every single encounter with friends, family, and even strangers. It’s remarkable how this approach to life is so much more fulfilling than attention to a never-ending to-do list!
Kudos to you Dave for embracing the slower pace of retirement, to “savor the moments” and invest in the people around you! Thank you so much for praying for Steve.
This was such a good reminder, Nancy. Thank you.
(I need the reminders too!)
good example and advice, Nancy! Just yesterday a car coming towards me went left of center and I narrowly missed him. Quite scary but very very thankful afterwards that nothing happened. Lots of gratitude too.
I have to wonder if that driver was on his/her phone. I also wonder what percentage of accidents occur because of that behavior!
Another encouraging post, Nancy! I will keep your husband in my prayers.
Thank you Dana! We very much appreciate your prayers.
Awesome post! I absolutely love your question, “What will you cup your hands around today?” I think all of your suggestions are important, but I especially appreciate the one you present on ‘wonder’. I really believe that if we can live in a way that even a single ‘blade of grass’ or a buzzing bee, or a moth upon the window, can command our attention, we will discover joy. God has given us a universe of wonder to contemplate…We must answer, “Yes” to wonder! Praying for your husband!
Thank you, Linda. I agree with you wholeheartedly: wonder does lead to joy. And who couldn’t use a bit more joy in their lives? / Thank you for your prayers. Steve was able to come home last night, but we still don’t have answers yet for why he’s had about six silent strokes and then this one on Tuesday, in spite of Eloquis. A couple of blood tests still pending with Dr. appts. coming up. He’ll also be getting PT and OT. One day at a time!
Putting in extra prayers for husband, Steve. I am glad he was able to come home. Somehow, everything feels better when we are home in our own house.
Thank you, friend. He did sleep better last night, that’s for sure!
Praying, Nancy, over your husband’s health and your peace in the midst. Health and the like are prime examples to slow us down in life and refocus us toward our loving and faithful Father.
I love the list of reminders you’ve included in this post to encourage a slow down with true fulfillment fixed on Him!
Thank you so much for your prayers, Alicia. We feel them! And God’s peace has certainly enveloped us. (See my comment to atimetoshare.me, above.) / AMEN to your comment that true fulfillment comes as we fix our attention on our loving and faithful Father. In fact, those two attributes alone give us much comfort, don’t they!
Yes keeping our focus on Him makes a difference of panic or peace, worry or worship. He is indeed loving and faithful.
Amen, my friend and well said!
This is a beautiful repost Nancy—what great reminders for us all. I join with others in praying for your husband.
Thank you, Katie–for your encouragement and your prayers!
We none of us know how much (or little) time we have been given. We must treasure each moment, and use it wisely to God’s glory. ❤
AMEN, my friend–treasure the moments and use them wisely for God’s glory. Well said!
I try to pack so much into a day that I often forget to slow down and enjoy that day. I am praying for your husband; it is hard when those we love are ill so I’m praying for you too.
I too will often try to pack too much into a day. That was even more so the case in my younger days. I’m learning to savor the moments and express gratitude for anything and everything. / Thank you for your prayers, dear Linda. He’s working hard to get back the use of his right index finger and thumb. PT and OT appts. are pending. We’re very hopeful that with time and effort, he’ll be able to grip again with his dominant hand.
Oh Nancy, this is so true: “It is downright foolish of me to live in a fantasy of invincibility, as if there will always be plenty of tomorrows for attentiveness and compassion, while cruising along in the fast lane of frenzied activity.”
May we always remember that making people feel loved IS “getting something done!”
AMEN to that last line, Stacey and well said!
This is such a great reminder that it’s okay to take things a little slower and to just enjoy life as it comes, one day at a time, because you never know what might happen the next. It just makes me want to appreciate everything that I have. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you, Alex. I’m glad you found the post worthwhile. I’m with you–desiring to appreciate everything God has given me. Out of his graciousness come all sorts of benefits from the practice of gratitude that even secular research has corroborated!
That fast-paced lane can blind us with its dazzle and speed to what deserves our attention. I like the way you use the extended metaphor to unearth the riches of what are our riches in Christ Jesus.
I’m praying for your husband’s complete recovery, Nancy. Hope each day is filled with progress as he works with PT and OT staff, and a renewed sense of God’s strength and presence for both of you. Praise God for his mercies, new every morning!
Thank you, Dora for your encouragement and your prayers for my husband. As I type, we’re waiting for a FaceTime chat with his PCP (a family friend), and we’ll hopefully obtain more answers.
Will keep praying. May the Spirit guide, enlighten, and fill you and your husband with His peace in this journey,
along, the distracted phone-scrollers, and the reckless lane-weavers. Driving that same stretch of road twice a day, every day, becomes a masterclass in human behavior—you start predicting who’s going to cut you off before they even flip their turn signal! 🚗💨📱
Wow–you witness a lot more consistency among your fellow commuters than I did, Safia! Maybe I didn’t pay close enough attention. The careless behaviors you mentioned, though, are hard to miss. Those drivers are frustration-makers for sure! Years ago I wrote new lyrics to an old hymn, about driving in commuter traffic. It might give you a giggle or two! https://nancyaruegg.com/2024/06/20/the-commuter-song/
‘Avoid Negativity’ hits a nerve with me. Last week I decided to take a break from the internet because of all the unbearable posts and comments, specifically on Facebook. I needed PEACE. I was worn out from witnessing how vicious people can be to each other. I also avoided news programs for the most part. I am a negative person to start with, and reading and absorbing additional negativity is big trouble for me. I am (just today) dipping a toe back into the swirling and sometimes dark waters of the internet. Also, most ‘news’ posts are impossible to determine whether it is actual news and not fake or clickbait. The only truth I should pay attention to is the Word of God. That’s where I need to spend more time and less online. HE is TRUTH.
More time in the Word and less time online is a wise trade-off, Cheri! A couple of years ago or so I started listening to a 1/2 hour news podcast each morning while I exercise. It’s called “The World and Everything in It.” You can access it here: (https://wng.org/podcasts/the-world-and-everything-in-it). They are a Christian news organization which pursues truth. Though they certainly cover some of the more troubling situations in our world, they also include at least one uplifting story each day. I’ve found it them to be honest, fair, and thorough in their research. You might want to give them a try!