Day 7 - Busy

"Even if you win the Rat Race, you're still a rat."

-Anonymous

"No, but you'll look cool going slow."

-Jimmy Marbut, owner of Sunshine Cycles answering my question, "Will these new Shimano wheels make me go any faster?"

"If you don't know where you're going, any road will get you there."

-Anonymous

We only had about 105 miles to travel today so we kind of meandered and took our time. We arrived in the Seattle area way before we could check into our Hampton Inn so we went to the Alderwood Mall to hang out a while. I know, I know, I know . . . I was at a mall. There goes my reputation. Anyway, across the parking lot was Claim Jumpers, a local restaurant that we were told had great food. It did. I did not get a steak, even though I'm sure they are great, but I got a salad instead. For you detail lovers, it was a Glazed Walnut Asian Pear Salad and was way more than super good, probably good for me too. Delicious. Maybe I ought to forget about this ride and just eat my way across America. I could possibly do an HGTV kind of show: "Best Salads & Steaks in the States." 

We have seen things other than places to eat. So you'll know what we've been driving through today I've posted a few highway shots. I've noticed that life seems to be much slower out here. I'm not sure why but it's mighty refreshing to drive on the interstate with normal colored knuckles, no tightness in my neck, and a heart rate that's not elevated. I know that Driving Under the Influence is a big killer on our highways but I wonder how many people are killed or crippled because of impatience. Everybody is in a hurry. Do you suppose we are always in a hurry because we've got so much to do? People drive and read, drive and text, drive and eat, drive and watch DVD players, drive and sight-see, and drive and who knows what else  . . . probably because we've become too busy.

When God created the heavens and the earth he actually took a rest day! When was your last rest day? In the Old Testament, guys who failed to observe that holy Sabbath rest day were stoned to death. They sure did rest after that!

I wonder if God ever gets frustrated just trying to keep us with us. I wonder if we may even travel so fast through life that we miss the divine appointments he has on our calendars. The God who made time, has all time, and is always on time, misses his time with us. Years ago (and I mean years ago) Larnelle Harris sang a song about time with God:

 

There he was just waiting,

in our old familiar place

an empty spot beside him,

where once I used to wait

to be filled with strength and wisdom

for the battles of the day

I would have passed him by again

if I didn't hear him say

I miss my time with you

those moments together

I need to be with you each day

and it hurts me when you say

you're too busy

busy trying to serve me

but how can you serve me

when your spirit's empty

there's a longing in my heart

wanting more than just a part of you

it's true

I miss my time with you.

"Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord" (Psalm 27:14).

"Don't be impatient for the Lord to act! Travel steadily along his path . . ." (Psalm 37:34a).