Writers' Corner: What's the hurry?
Back-to-back funerals on a Monday and Tuesday. How could I possibly arrange two meetings with separate families, collect their thoughts and memories in a way to honor their loved ones? Years of trying to juggle multiple things at the same time has taught me the secret to getting things done. Go slow! I admit that is contrary to my nature.
I earned my share of speeding tickets when I was young. I was commuting 45 minutes each way to college several days a week, while holding down a full-time job in youth ministry and rearing a family.
One night I was driving 30 miles home after leading a youth group. We had a good meeting, but I was tired when I jumped into my 1973 Olds Omega. I wasn’t speeding . . . much, but I hurried to pass a car before I hit the yellow line and did not quite make it. A policeman was heading in my direction. He noticed before I noticed, and soon his red lights were flashing. I pulled over. He asked me why I was in such a hurry. My explanation failed to elicit any pity. I waited for an excruciating amount of time while he checked everything and came back with a ticket in his hands. He told me to slow down. I was so tired I responded with, “I will.” “I would already be home in bed had I not been in such a hurry.”
Recently, I drove to the funeral home in a nearby village. Everything went well, but the funeral director had trouble leading the procession across the street to head to the cemetery because oncoming traffic didn’t want to slow down. He said, “Everyone is in such a hurry nowadays, they have little respect for the grieving.”
I headed home from the cemetery. I was driving the speed limit, musing how the service went. It doesn’t feel safe to drive the speed limit because people think they will get to where they are going faster if they ride my bumper. I usually go two or three miles over the speed limit, hoping I won’t be rearended or run off the road by an impatient driver. I saw a large semi following a lead car, flying up behind me with little chance to pass. So, I sped up as much as I was willing to risk. The lead car got so close; I couldn’t see its headlights. I resisted the voice suggesting I slam on the brakes. A few miles later, the lead car rushed around me, causing an oncoming car to slow down.
The very next day I officiated another funeral. I’ve been in Sturgis so long I consider the funeral director and his team friends. I rode in the coach, and we talked along the way. Drivers at many crossroads, perturbed at the thought of waiting a few minutes, tried to cut through in front of us, rather than waiting for the procession to file by. What’s the rush? Where’s common respect? How much time can one really save? Going 5 mph might save five minutes every 60 miles. Is it worth it? Remember the song, “Slow down, there’s no need to be in such a hurry?”
Bio.: Douglas and Pamela Carr pastor His House Foursquare Church. Doug has published 33 books. His newest, “7 7 7! Seven Curses ~Seven Stripes ~Seven Blessings" is now available. Share your thoughts with Doug or inquire about his books at freedomminister@yahoo.com
— The Sturgis Writers’ Mill exists to create a community of writers who constructively encourage, support, and challenge each other as they discover their unique voices. Any opinion expressed is solely that of the author.
This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Writers' Corner: What's the hurry?
