By Brenda Cannon Henley
Driving down busy I-10 in Mobile, Alabama, nearing the tunnel that goes under the bay this week, I had occasion to remember a very old sermon I heard years ago. The cause of my memory focusing on that old group of truths that has rescued me many a time from getting in trouble, our vehicle came along side of a big semi truck heavily loaded. We had slowed because a second big truck was just in front of us.

One never knows what another driver is thinking or how much training he or she has had. And, a main consideration that we learned to pay attention to in all our years on the road operating a huge bus business is the amount of driving time since a restful eight hours of sleep. Those driver’s logs are not always correct and drivers doctor them up every day of the year.

I love the road. I never mind a good, long road trip if my vehicle is in good shape, I am physically feeling well, and I have money in my pocket. On this particular day, my daughter, Nikki, an absolute road warrior, and I were returning from a trip leaving from St. Petersburg, Florida, to Clute, Texas. We were on the return leg from Clute to St. Pete. Our GPS shows that to be 1,056 miles.

We enjoyed our visit with children and grandchildren, and a precious great granddaughter. Hadn’t had a hitch. Beautiful weather, great food, and so much fun. Only sadness was in leaving the kids.

All of a sudden the big truck in front of us swerved quickly to the right and into the path of the second truck moving at just under the speed limit. There was traffic to that driver’s right and left. It was a miracle of God that he could control his rig and not plough into the truck. The move was so sudden and swift that the truck making the change actually tipped at the top and those watching wondered if it could keep from overturning causing mayhem and destruction. The truck straightened and continued down the road toward the tunnel.

I thanked God that there was no accident where lives could have been lost or folks sent to the hospital for surgeries and long stays.

My thoughts turned to my wise old preacher’s sermon. When you find the lane God has placed you in for service, safety, and serenity, stay in it. Work there until He gives you the signal that you are free and clear to change. With His permission and promise of blessing, go for it. Do a good job, be a help to others, and work where God puts you.

I laughingly tell my editor, “I am older now. I have seen many things both in church work and in living life.” The lane changers that get under my skin and cause me consternation are those that cannot be happy and content in the lane God gives them. They seem to want more and better. They need more attention called to them and their work. They have a desire to “be over more things,” and are often not prepared or equipped to operate successfully in the lane they are seeking.

Perhaps the new lane’s duties call for efficient writing and they are not trained to complete a sensible sentence. If they teach one class, what makes them think they can organize an entire ministry? Chances are, the lane they have their sites set on includes personality and motivation and they lack in those areas.

Stay in your lane and do a good job there. Don’t attempt to take over a new lane simply for recognition and notice.

Brenda Cannon Henley can be reached at 409 781 8788, or
[email protected]

[BCH: Aug-15-2023]