These two photographs were taken within about one mile of each other on Rt. 12 North yesterday.
One moment the roads were wet from a light rain, grass on both sides of the road; the next, visibility was reduced to about 200 yards and traffic was moving at 20mph.
Life has a way of changing gears on us.
Fast.
But there are some practical steps for navigating its turbulent conditions:
1.) Get intel from those who’ve gone ahead of you. Jennifer called me just as I was taking my normal route home from church. “Don’t go the back way. It’s bad.”
Being old does have its perks; and the perk of being young is the blessing of listening to people who’ve driven the road ahead of you.
“He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.” -Proverbs 15:32
2.) Respect good equipment. The snow tires on my front-wheel drive Matrix are killer. But I tend to delay changing tires out. For a time-sensitive guy like me, it’s a hassle. An inconvenience. But getting in an accident it a bigger inconvenience. Fortunately for me yesterday, I put my snow tires on two weeks ago.
And I was three cars behind a snow plow.
While the oncoming lane had two inches of snow to navigate, I had smooth sailing.
Preparing yourself emotionally (by measuring your responses and keeping everything in perspective), physically (by taking good care of your body while you have the opportunities), and spiritually (by actively growing your faith in God) can often be the difference between making your destination and sliding off the road.
Learn to follow people better equipped than you are; you may move a little slower, but success is usually guaranteed when compared with the alternatives.
3.) Pray simple prayers. The late Elizabeth Austin – by far the most spiritually mature woman I’ve ever know (and the most successful evangelist to ALL the nations I’ve ever heard of) – used to tell me her most spiritual prayer ever was, “Help!”
We can have all the wisdom and preparation in the world, but without a relationship with Jesus we’re bankrupt in a snow drift just waiting for a tow we can’t even afford.
(Praise God that He’s quite good at pulling us out, too).
I think that was the secret to the success of the people mentioned in Psalm 112:7:
“They will have no fear of bad news;
their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.”
What things in your life have helped you prepare for and cope with the unexpected storms of life? (You could be a real blessing to someone by sharing).
Thanks for reading. Thanks for sharing. ch:
