Almost everyday as I am driving to or from work, I experience the same thing… when I look in my rear-view mirror, I consistently find the person behind me is quite close to my back bumper… too close for comfort.
Is it because I drive too slow? I tend not to think so because when I check my speedometer, it usually says the speed limit, or even exceeds it.
So, what’s the deal?
Well, I think we all just need to slow down and pay attention… Yes, I mean you in that silver pick-up truck!
And, looking in the rear-view doesn’t help me either. I get nervous and start to worry. I can’t concentrate on what is ahead, because my mind is caught up in what is behind me. Hmm, there must be a lesson here, right?
There is.
The Road Trip of Life
Getting caught up in distractions can cause accidents or pile-ups in our car trips, and also in our business lives as well.
As business people and entrepreneurs, our focus should be on the driving… what we are doing at this moment to keep our business vehicle on course, going the right speed, paying attention to the signs, navigating barriers. And all the while, making sure to keep our eyes on the road, not getting distracted by what is happening around us.
We must remember that whatever speed we are going, that is what is right for us at the time. We can’t allow other drivers to push us into the fast lane or throw us off course. We just need to slow down, and pull in for a coffee break, if needed. Even on major interstate highways, there are rest stops.
Now, God has a lot to say about slowing down and resting. He even put it in His Commandments.
“…For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day…” – Exodus 20:11
God, who created all things, rested. He labored, then He rested. This should probably be all we need to know about resting. If He rested, then so should we…always on the Sabbath to worship, praise and thank Him. But, we should also rest from the distractions and problems that plague our minds and hearts as we constantly worry about what is going on in our lives.
Stop and Ask For Directions
The Bible gives us much advice here, and considering the Author, I believe we should follow that advice:
“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10
It is very important that we find some time to be still and alone with God. This will keep our mind focused on what is truly important in our lives. God can reveal some mighty things to us when we stop and spend time alone with Him. I think it is His desire to answer our questions and direct our paths if only we would slow down and ask Him.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
The dictionary defines “cast” as, “to throw or hurl; fling.” So, fling off that worry. I am not saying we should not pay attention to the issues in our lives, but letting them cause us anxiety can keep us from moving forward with confidence in the day-to-day decisions we make. As we trust Him to lead us He will make our paths straight and keep us on track to accomplish the objectives we have set for our business and personal lives.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” – Psalm 23:1-3
Green pastures, still waters and restoring my soul… what a precious analogy to think about when our days are filled with problems and difficulties that come from keeping our businesses up and running successfully. Knowing that He has control allows us to take our hands off the wheel for a little while and rest our minds. (Disclaimer: only do this when you are not actually driving.)
So back to my driving… These days I think it better to stay my course and let that pick-up truck just pass me by…
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