Speedbumps

How many of us hate speedbumps? I'm a lot safer in my driving that I used to be, but I still like to race across a parking lot if I know there is no one in my way and there's a great spot right up front. My kids chant, "Parking Karma. Parking Karma." as we approach and beat out all of the other cautious drivers. My vehicle isn't really very happy with me though when I inadvertently hit a speedbump. My 1998 Dodge Durango with 140,000 miles on it complains like a geriatric with advanced arthritis when it is stopped short by those annoying concrete half-tubes designed to ensure the safety of the pedestrians in the area. I don't like them. They could damage my vehicle of advanced age (like denting my grill on an old lady is any better!) They are there to warn us. They are there to let us know that the possibility of collision may occur.

I often wonder what purpose my husband has in my life. He's not as ambitious as I am. I tend to be driven (or continually in overdrive if we are going to continue with the car analogy!) He is not. I have often affectionately referred to him as 'my little speedbump'. He slows me down. It annoys me. I have told him MANY times, but he isn't changing his ways, so in order to get along, I try to change mine.

This is not easy. I am someone who sees every little thing that needs to be done and I want it done....YESTERDAY!! I don't want something in the way, hindering my progress. I would like help, but if I can't get it, I would at least like to work at break neck speed and race wildly about. Of course, in my flurry of activity, I tend to get irritable. I run the risk of colliding with my family....both mentally, physically and emotionally. I yell more. I parent recklessly. My health suffers.

God calls us to be still at times. How do you do that when there is a stack of laundry that is growing legs and transporting itself to the laundry room, a mountain of dishes that could become a science experiment, vacuuming that could produce enough hair to spawn another pet, homework to help with and dusting (did I say dusting? I haven't dusted in years, as evidenced by the 'dust rhinos' under my furniture and my hairy ceiling fans!) With that whole Proverbs 31 thing hanging over my head, it's amazing I find the time to bathe daily and not become a candidate for the psych ward.

John ensures that I DO sit still at times. He makes me slow down and ease myself over him as he lounges on the couch of our insanely small home. His 6'4'' lanky frame can extend from where he is sitting all the way to the TV stand, so he creates a physical speedbump in our living room (which is central to all of my activities.) Unless I plan on perfecting the hurdles, it is imperative that I slow down. His legs, coupled with the Lego/Matchbox mine field produced by my children, cause me to take shorter steps and place my feet more carefully.

When he is not planted there, he likes to converse with me in the other epicenter of our home...the kitchen. He usually finds that he is most comfortable in the corner of our L-shaped counter where I do all of my cooking, and where he is strategically blocking the doors to all of the cabinets in which I keep my supplies. For some reason, the kitchen table that is 3 steps from that location is just too far to have an adequate conversation.

I will continue to be annoyed, but I am coming to terms with the fact that this whole process is biblical. I will add SPEEDBUMP to my list of things I have to love about John in a biblical context. God put him here for a reason. I just hope I don't hurt him when I trip over him!