Who doesn’t want a smooth way in life? A smooth way is the preferred way. We like short-cuts, fast-food and instant answers to our difficult problems. Smooth is good!
I was in New Mexico traveling with two good friends several years ago. We were driving through an Indian reservation and looking for a missionary acquaintance. The road was an endless wash-board. Each bone jarring mile was monotonousness in its sameness. The driver of the big Ford 4×4 was a retired policeman. As we jolted slowly through each earthen pothole a twinkle lit my friend’s eye as he remembered some of his old police tactics. Out of the blue he tromped on the gas pedal.
“All of the bumps will disappear at 70 miles per hour” he chortled in his characteristic thundering belly laugh.
I slithered toward the Ford’s floor as I filmed what I thought were about to be my last moments on earth. I also said my prayers.
We sped for an eternal minute down that dusty moonscape. When just as abruptly, and for no apparent reason, my friend let off the pedal with a giant hoot! His glee instantly turned to horror as we crested a small mound in the rugged trail to see an almost immediate ninety-degree curve that avoided by mere feet a canyon abyss. It was one of those unforgettable moments!
My friend’s intention was to “smooth” the path with velocity but the old adage, “speed kills” pierced us all with its stark message. It was a near miss that could have ushered the three of us into eternity.
How often do you and I rush to solve a problem in our own timing. We need to do something NOW! We don’t know that danger and death are rushing to meet us with their icy fingers. They too are speedy foes who long to reap the righteous.
Our goal must be to live in righteousness and travel life’s path in God’s timing. We are lead by the Good Shepherd and must move when the flock moves. He doesn’t necessarily shield us from all harm but he desires our best. When we allow God’s grace to use our acts of righteousness He smooths our path and brings safety to our travels.
