Haste: the destructiveness, hassle and problem of haste
“Although I am always in a hurry, I am never in a hurry, because I never undertake more work than I can carry out with the calm of the Spirit.”
-John Wesley
WHEN I WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC, I was recently struck again by the nerve of some motorcyclists… tail jumper! There seems to be a mindset among many motorcycle riders that there is a ‘third lane’ on the two lane road. That they can slip through slow traffic to claim first place is amazing. If someone did this while queuing at a bank, in a coffee shop or in shops, they would be grossly confused and outright abused!
On the particular day I had this experience, I noticed something unusual: a motorcyclist obediently following a car, staying in a lane, and being a model motorcyclist. I was so captivated by his demeanor that I was tempted to roll down the driver’s window and applaud him.
Sometimes we get disappointed in life… As soon as I saw this, I was met by four motorcycles (one after the other) passing me in the left lane and driving in a manner that was not just rude but downright messy, as if their houses were on fire. .
In short, the “model” motorcyclist must have seen this behavior and thought he was wasting his time being so obedient and considerate of other road users. A few miles down the road the same erratic and inconsiderate behavior began, albeit in a more conservative way.
I’ve often wondered what’s going on on a deeper level with this type of person: the average tail-jumping biker. Does he become a person who seeks to be first at all times, in other areas of his life? Do they become more selfish people over time than those who drive cars? What is your attitude toward obeying the law, in general? Do they blur it in other ways like they do on the road? Whatever the long-term psychological effect, it can’t be positive, right?
I call on all motorcyclists to obey the traffic rules and show that they are not recalcitrant, one by one. I wonder if I will ever see a reform in the way motorcycles are driven on the road; where they seek to give way politely and drive responsibly. I want to respect all human beings, but it is a great challenge to respect those who seem to completely ignore others. However, it is my prayer that something happens that will spark reform. Perhaps motorists who see respectful motorcyclists could give them some recognition; maybe give them the thumbs up while they register their license plate number and report them for some sort of prize! Perhaps the State could add to this?
I know this was a test of tolerance for me, and I’m grateful for it. It reminds me to breathe and thank God I’m not in such a rush; that life is a little less hectic for me. it reminds me of speed up slowly as the quote above suggests, and continue my patient journey, and pray that these motorcyclists reach their destinations safely; It could be a family member or friend who is involved with them in a traffic accident. Needless to say (although I willpower say so) causes unfortunate suffering to any family that suffers the loss or injury of one or more of their own.
When it comes to a road kill, the rest is history.
We rarely get ahead in life in our rush. As I have illustrated above, we can gain much more with just a little patience. Tail jumpers never get ahead in life. And on top of everything else, he shows a blatant lack of respect for others. Not worth the ‘negative’ stress. In a hurry (often out of fear) we’ve all done foolish things to get ahead and then had to deal with the guilt that comes afterwards. It contributes to the loss of inner peace. It is ironically such waste of time in the global analysis of things!
Alcoholics Anonymous has a saying “Just for Today” as part of its one day at a time philosophy. Newcomers with terrible addiction and a long road of recovery ahead are encouraged to say: “I will save myself from two plagues: haste and indecision.” These “plagues” have the power to shake anyone’s mind, shaking up the resistance to continue the fight.
It’s about appreciating the truth it tells, “Don’t worry, it only leads to evil.” (Psalm 37:8) When we worry and worry and are controlled by that emotion, we can only exert a destructive influence on those around us. Think about it.
Haste is lack of care and diligence; a lack of foresight and planning, which usually stems from simple laziness. The most extreme form of this, of which haste is only one indicator, is biblical “laziness.” This could be defined as “unlimited desire” or a complete lack of control of one’s own desires; zeal that is motivated by the wrong source.
Planning is key. Our approach to life must be thoughtful, deliberate, intentional. Then peace can be ours, as we live in harmony and shalom with each other and with our Creator.
The next time you’re tempted to rush off and do something impulsive, give yourself a few extra seconds because that’s really all you’ll lose. You risk losing much more than that in your rush.
© Steve J Wickham, 2008
