Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Like Jehu
The sentinel reported, “It looks like the driving of Jehu son of Nimshi; for he drives recklessly and furiously.” – 2 Kings 9:20 (NRSV, adapted)
My son Max is learning to drive. He’s not bad for a novice. Still, the experience is harrowing. Really, it’s other drivers. Tailgating, honking, one-finger-waves as they speed past as if they always have the right of way and everyone else is in the way. Not defensive but offensive driving. I wonder if they navigate the road of life with the same aggressiveness and disregard.
My new theory: As it is in the car, so it is in life.
Both are high-stakes learning environments with little room for consequence-free errors. It matters how you conduct yourself out there. So, driving lessons double as life lessons: Look ahead for traffic and hazards. Don’t engage with road rage. Read the signs and road conditions. Don’t take corners faster than you can handle. Stay focused, alert, sober. Just because other drivers break the rules doesn’t mean you can. Know when to yield and when it’s your turn. Keep up on maintenance and fill the tank.
And on the road of life: Be aware and ready. Deescalate. Adapt to context. Know your limits. Don’t always go along with the crowd. Respect others’ rights and exercise your own. Care for yourself; rest and refuel.
Time will tell if my theory proves correct. But I hope that when people see my kid on the literal road and along the road of life, they’ll say: “It looks like the driving of Max son of Chris; for he drives confidently and compassionately.”
Prayer
How’s my driving, God? Steady my hands at 10 and 2. Increase my patience and grace. Decrease my speed and risk. And get us all safely home. Amen.
About the AuthorChris Mereschuk (He/Him) is the Director for Legacy and Church Redevelopment for the Southern New England Conference, UCC.