Cruise Control

Earlier today, my husband and I drove to meet our daughter and her family for a quick visit.  She lives several hours away, so we met "half-way" for a nice lunch together.  On the drive home, I thought back to another time, a few short years ago, when we had taken a similar trip.  Our daughter was just about to have heart surgery and so we were travelling to be by her side.  I remember that I was anxious and stressed about the operation and as a result was feeling uncomfortable in the car. However, to help ease the burden of one person driving the entire way, my husband, son and I had been taking turns behind the wheel.

When my turn came to drive and I headed down the road, my husband suggested that I use the cruise control feature. My initial response was to simply decline. I was nervous and felt more comfortable operating the car manually. But my husband, knowing me better than I know myself sometimes, thought I wouldn't be so tense if I had some help. He suggested that during the long stretches of the road it would be a good idea to have the cruise control turned on for it would keep my pace steady. I wouldn't be struggling as much and would not tire of driving as quickly. Also, he added, there was a bonus that it would produce a more efficient use of the fuel. So, reluctantly I asked him for instructions on its operation. Much to my surprise, I was pleased to discover it was rather freeing to use the cruise control feature. My stress level instantly lowered as we continued down the road.

I have had my driver's license for many years now, but I have to admit that before that time I had never used the cruise control feature on any of our vehicles! Was it because of fear? Or was it something deeper? As I sat behind the wheel on that previous drive, mulling over that question, I came to the realization that the true reason for my hesitation was not fear...It was power. I discovered that I had chosen not to use it because I was reluctant to give over control to something other than myself.

That discovery surprised me and I began to think of other areas in my life where I have felt the need to be in total control. It didn't take much for me to remember several, but then to also see that in every one of those places it was when I stopped striving and allowed the Lord to lead me, things went so much smoother. In times when my burdens were so heavy I bent under the load, it was when I submitted to God that the weight was lifted. Even during rushed times when trying to meet a deadline, it was when I relaxed and submitted to the pace God set that I felt my stress release. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30).

How many times in your life have you resisted the Lord’s guidance? For me, it has been way too many. But, I have found when I remember to be yoked with the Lord and set my life on His cruise control, everything falls perfectly into place – for God’s pace is steady and His road is straight.

Yoked with Him,

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