Ramp speed

On my long travels this week, the roads were particularly occupied by large trucks.  As these huge vehicles exit the highway, there is a long lane to slow down their speed in order to safely and purposefully reach their destination.  They cannot just speed through, no matter their mindset or mood.

In family or work situations when, not if, tensions arise, it is also wise to de-accelerate.  When one of our grandchildren gets caught up in emotional turmoil, her other grandmother has taught her to count 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.  It gives this little girl the margin to put on her internal brakes, think about what she is doing, and what would be a better way to approach the situation. Our granddaughter now has a valuable tool in her toolbox that she can use for the rest of her life.

De-accelerating provides an incredible sense of freedom.  Think and pray it through first to a very different outcome.

Show me, O LORD, Your way in this.


Then they cried to the LORD
               in their trouble,
and He delivered them
        from their distress;
He made the storm be still,
and the waves of the sea
                       were hushed.
Then they were glad
             because they had quiet,
and He brought them
      to their desired haven.

                   Psalm 107. 28-30