Driving Miss Gina

I don't like driving.

Never have.

And I know why. I don't want the responsibility of driving. Instead, I'd rather take a nap, read a book, take a nap, look at the scenery, take a nap, listen to the radio, or take a nap. Are you hearing me? I'm a slumberer.

So when I had to drive home yesterday from Reagan National Airport, I wasn't an overly happy camper. See note about slumberer.

Call me crazy, but sleeping and driving don't mix well.

My instructions were follow the road out of the airport (the one that says TO WASHINGTON) and stick to the one that runs along the Potomac. Eventually it'll take me to I395 which will take me to I95. Well, I did, but then I realized I was going north and I didn't want to go north. So I figured I'd get off 395North and loopy around until I was going south.

Contrary to popular knowledge, Washington DC is not loopy.

At least the roads aren't.

So after a nice sight-see of the White House, the National Mall, some lovely cherry blossoms, and the Washington Monument, I realized the solution to my crisis.

Pray.

Pray hard and fast, and it went something like this:

"God, I'm lost. Literally. And since I don't want to panic like some insipid girl, I'd really appreciate some guidence because...well, You are all I've got. I don't know who to ask for directions and odds are, that person wouldn't speak English anyway, which rather vexes me becuase if you live in my country, you better learn my language because I don't have the time or motivation to learn yours. I'd rather watch Smallville. So, Lord, impress upon me where to go. Hey, there's a tunnel, I went through a tunnel somewhere. No, that's a bridge. My bad. And I'd really appreciate a I395 road sign. Should I turn here? I think I will."

For literary purposes, that prayer may have been embellished.

Okay it was.

What I really prayed was "God, I'm lost, You're all I've got, give me a 395 sign."

And He did.

Soon I was back on I395 going south. But then I kinda sorta took the exit ramp and got offer near the Sprinfield Mall. Not being someone who panics because panicking would make me an insipid girl, I calmly prayed, "God, I could really use one of those big signs that is full of interstate road directions." Considering I was practically surrounded by a spaghetti pile of interstate and beltway roads, I knew God knew what I was talking about. He is omniscient, after all, not to mention fluent in every living and dead language. God has some mad skills.

Yep, I saw a sign.

After pondering whether my tummy was hungry or not (and missing two food exits), I finally stopped for lunch. But Burger King was all out of the cherry icee yet I could have a Coke one instead.

What?!

I wisely said no to the temptation.

See, just between us, I'm an addict. A caffine addict. My son says caffine is Christian crack. I tend to agree. In fact, I'd say I'm not the only Christian caffine addict. Can you go for a week without any caffine soft drinks or without coffee? Oh, now there's another Christian crack.

Yet, say that at a church event and you'll get the "we should excommunicate you for that statement." I feel the deacons at my church breathing down my neck.

Shiver me timbers.

Anyhoo, I realized I was addicted to Starbucks so I stopped. No white chocolate lattes. No chai lattes. No frappachinos. And I stopped drinking Cherry Coke and the non-diet like. And I'm dying. No, seriously. I yearn for coffee. I yearn for a Cherry Coke. Yet to give in would give my addiction power over me. So miss church Sunday mornign because I was puking because I had a headache and body aches because I wanted either a Starbucks coffee or a Cherry Coke. I am pathetic.

No addiction, no matter how innocent and legal it may be, honors God.

When I have to have a soft drink, a coffee, or a [fill in whatever it is you have to have the first thing in the morning] to wake up, to get through the morning, to begin my day, etc...anything that comes before me and time with God is a god in my life and in your life. This morning I wanted to check my e-mail, but I didn't until after I'd spent time reading God's Word.

I didn't have to be wander-driving around Washington DC to know that without God I AM LOST. And with Him, I have all I need to live an abundant life.

"For in Him [Jesus] dwells the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are comlete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power." Colossins 2:9-10

Now please don't anyone begin the excommunication proceedings. I really am a nice person. I am. Mostly. Although I don't feed the cat. Mostly. Usually. Hey, thanks to me she's losing her winter fat. I only starve her because I want her to look fashionable, and if that's not love...