The Slow Lane

After spending so many years of my life on such a set pace, a schedule which usually began in the before sunrise hours and ended as the sun was saying good evening to my part of the globe, I have moved over to the slow lane. It is a shame, to some extent, that life treats us in such a manner as to sneak by without as much as a hello. Why we run so fast, why we strive to accomplish so much, why we push ourselves to our limit exhausting our energy, and for some abusing our bodies all in the name of accumulation of things, a reputation, acknowledgement by others, making our mark, success, financial freedom, personal satisfaction, gratification or what ever other name we choose to call it. Yet it does seem to have all been conducted in the "fast lane" traveling at a blurring speed not slowing down enough to even enjoy the passing scenery. However, here I am, shifted gears, slowed down and moved over into the slow lane. The memories of past travels just that, only memories and in the past, I have yet to know someone who has arrived at their destination staring into the rear view mirror. Do I look back, of course, and with fondness of times spent with my dear wife, and our little girls. Those times of hugs and adoration, dad can fix anything, times of laughter filled with playing in the snow, building giant slides in the heaped piles of frozen snow in our front yard, trips to the zoo and so many more. I can recall so many, of the good times, yet still it is in the past, and I am still driving forward, and I am driving in the slow lane, perhaps this is the time to be able to recall so many of those events, perhaps at this speed one has longer times at stop lights, perhaps at this speed one has the occasion to use the rest stops more. What ever the case, I am enjoying this speed and still look forward to arriving at my destination. Still moving forward, just a bit slower. Did I enjoy those days at blistering speed, sure, I enjoy every day, but now I am able to see more. Thank you Lord for the slow lane.