Safety Before Speed.

One day, not too long ago, I had to get to work earlier than usual, yet somehow I slept through my alarm.

Thus began my rushing.

At first, I hurried to catch a ride, fair enough, I got one in good time. Then, the journey was smooth until we reached the bumpy area that slowed us down.

I found myself thinking, what is the point? This road in question was nearly empty, but yet there they were too many, too limiting, and frankly, unnecessary.

I caught myself mentally counting how many more we had to endure before reaching our destination.

As I did so, I was reminded of a particular verse in Ecclesiastes 9:11 that says: “The race is not to the swift”.

“Speed Kills” is a phrase I’m sure a lot of us are familiar with. Another saying that is common where I’m from is “it is better to be late than to become the late”. Yet, many of us ignore this truth when we have a goal to reach.

It is not as though speed is unnecessary. In fact, God is of times and seasons, and can help us catch up with His plans. This, however, is where the dilemma lies: we want to travel fast, throw caution to the wind, and somehow escape the consequences.

Bumps are a necessary and inevitable part of every journey in life.

They exist to help us reach our destinations safely. Though annoying at the point of encounter, they serve a greater purpose of preservation, not only for ourselves, but for other travelers as well.

As Scripture says,

The prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself, but the simple pass on, and are punished.

Proverbs 22:3 (KJV)

The quick schemes that people love and admire have often become our undoing (if you have ever wondered why numerous accidents happen on expressways, there lies the answer).

It is better to be slow and safe than to be fast than only to end up injured and arrive at an entirely different, undesirable destination.

As you travel through life, be wary of freeways that offer no restrictions yet leave you unprotected. Instead, learn to enjoy your journey, and walk with God in His own timing.

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Psalm 90:12 (KJV)

The journey might look different than what you imagined, but trust the Author of your life; the destination will always be there, because you are not in a limited edition.