You may find it hard to believe that my driving these days is being compared to that of a grandpa or grandma.  I don’t even have any grandchildren!

It wasn’t always this way (ask my wife). As I’ve gotten older, I learned I get there in the same amount no matter how fast or slow I drive.  I find taking the driving speed down a notch or two is very relaxing. The trip between Oxford and Ocala on the way to the early service is a good example of this. Even in rush hour, all the people in a hurry pass me by.  I won’t say it is always a pleasure to drive, but I’m a lot less tense behind the wheel than in my younger years.

This is not meant to be a diatribe on driving.  I wanted to write about someone who would have driven like a grandpa had automobiles existed.

Jesus didn’t rush.  He took breaks.  He took sabbaticals.  He would get up early in the morning before the sun rose to pray. In John 11 we read about one of the most notable instances of his “no-hurry” approach. He received word from Mary and Martha that his dear friend Lazarus was sick.  (John 11).  Jesus waited two more days before heading to Judea where Lazarus was.  By the time Jesus and his disciples arrive, Lazarus had been dead for FOUR DAYS.  We all know the rest of the story, Jesus resurrects and restores Lazarus.

We know Jesus is the Son of God and time is no object. I’m certain Jesus’ point was that our perceived needs are not always going to resolve in the blink of an eye.  Consider the fact Jesus took six days to deal with the Lazarus situation. Contrast this with Martha and Mary’s perspective.

On the flip-side, when Jesus had a deadline to meet, he met it.  I’m sure if he were any less than the Son of God he would have looked for any and every excuse to dawdle on the way to the cross.  He had people to reach. He had people to heal. I suspect his disciples could have used a little more training before he turned them loose.  At the end of the day, he knew what he had to do and he did it.  He trusted God the Father to take care of all the other details and loose ends.

So drive like a grandpa (or don’t – no judgment!) and remember one thing. No matter how slow or fast you move through life, you will never be beyond the reach of God’s unconditional love!

Silas