Resolution: Don't live like I drive

My husband doesn’t like my driving. I really can’t blame him. It’s not that I’m reckless, I’m just not that good at it. I tend to get distracted, writing stories in my head and people-watching other drivers. Is he picking his nose or just adjusting his glasses? Is she really putting on her lipstick while driving? Not that I’m any better than them, I like to watch them more than the road!

Apparently my most annoying driving quality is how I handle the gas pedal. I did not realize, until my husband pointed out on a recent trip, that I hit the gas pedal until I reach my speed, then I take my foot off the gas pedal and coast. Then I hit the gas to get up to speed again, and then I coast. He made me very aware of this habit when he reached over and hit the cruise control button for me.

Ever since then, I’ve caught myself doing this little dance with the gas pedal, and I’ve been trying to re-train myself (which after half a lifetime of driving is not easy!). I guess one of my New Year’s Resolutions should be to keep consistent pressure to the gas pedal while driving. It probably would also save on gas mileage!

Then I realized I have a similar habit in many areas of my life. I get excited about something, hit the gas, then coast, then realize I’d better hit the gas again. In fact, I do this in a lot of areas of my life. I get really excited about a book, read the whole thing in two days, then don’t read again for weeks. I run regularly while training for a race and then after the race I don’t run for months. I get excited to start a new Bible study, and then weeks later I’m dragging my feet to catch up. I do all my housework on one day and then don’t touch it again until a week later.

With all of these areas of my life, I’d have more consistent growth and expend less energy overall if I would just stay consistent with daily discipline. If I’d just keep a steady foot on the gas pedal. I’d be a stronger runner. I’d read more books. I’d study more of the Bible. I’d have a more manageable household.

So one of my New Year’s Resolutions is to not live like I drive (or at least until I figure out how to keep that gas pedal steady!). In all areas of my life I’m striving for consistent discipline, with new daily habits, rather than catch-up habits.

I like how Paul describes living our Christian lives in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (MSG)

You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally.

I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.

How about you, is there anything God has pointed out to you for this new year? Any sloppy living to correct?

Amelia Rhodes

Amelia Rhodes lives near Grand Rapids, Michigan and has been married to her high school sweetheart, Kedron, for 15 years. She is also mama to two young children. If she’s not writing, you’ll find her in the garden, at the sewing machine, or out running. Amelia is a contributing author to Chicken Soup for the Soul’s books “Here Comes the Bride” and “Inspiration for Writers.” Her first full-length book “Isn’t it Time for a Coffee Break? Doing life together in an all-about-me world,” takes a humorous and practical look at relationships. Filled with Bible-based encouragement and real-life stories, it is perfect for personal or small group study.