Traffic Signals

When I took driver's ed I learned about something called the "point of no return." When approaching an intersection with a green traffic signal, the driver's objective is to identify the point after which--should the light turn yellow--he would have insufficient time to stop the car.

Unfortunately, I have not always been consistent in identifying the aforementioned point (say, for instance, when I'm in a hurry). One particular problem with this is that the prospect of having to sit through a red light often causes me to feel hurried, and I sometimes decide prematurely that I shall continue through the intersection. Needless to say, I'm accelerating as the light turns yellow, and then must accelerate even more to try to make it through the intersection before the light turns red. Hey, I rationalize, coming up to a red light and having to sit through half of it is one thing, but barely missing getting through this green means sitting through a whole red. I don't have time for that.

Yesterday, I finally realized the greatest aspect of such foolishness. It's not merely the poor driving habit; it's the underlying attitude. I don't have time for that--as if I know the best use of my time better than God does. What pride. But much greater is the grace that God gives--to show me my pride and to help me to change.