Life is so fast-paced in America. A friend of mine recently moves to Los Angeles and we talk about the differences between LA and the East Coast–especially life in Delaware. I won’t soon forget moving to Pasadena when in my twenties. After a life spent in Delaware and a few years in Pittsburgh, everything in LA moved at a much more frenetic pace. Driving out there, we quickly found ourselves on a freeway with 5 very busy lanes, I stayed to the far right. After a few years in California, I found myself keeping up with traffic in the far left lane. Then we moved to southern Maine. Few things can prepare you for that kind of culture shock. I vividly remember pulling onto the highway and nearly rear-ending someone who was stopping at a yield sign for no apparent reason. As I moved to the left and cruised by them, I stopped and thought to myself, “Why am I in such a hurry?” Living in LA had changed me more than I had realized. So, I moved to the right, slowed down and tried to settle into the slower-paced life in northern New England.

Life gets busier and busier. I find myself in such a hurry these days. Slowing down seems a dream, but I am taking one step toward a slower paced, more reflective life–a Freeway Fast. While driving on a limited access highway, I zip by barely noticing what lies to my left or right while my gaze is fixed on the bumper ahead of me. So, in order to slow down, I am avoiding highway whenever possible. For me, that means avoiding Route 1 and taking Route 13 when I head to Newark, Wilmington or all points north. (In order to not freak people out, when I’m with a group I am staying on 1.)

Some Observations
1. I drove back from Carlisle, PA this weekend and used 13 South instead of 1. My friend Paul and I, surprisingly, got home at about the same time. And I saved $4 in tolls! It makes me wonder if freeways are always faster or are we deceived by the feeling of speed as we travel faster while not getting there much faster.

2. I notice a lot more scenery and appreciate Creation. Driving is more relaxing, and I find that I enjoy the drive much more. I’m even thinking I should stop and take pictures more often.

3. Even though I’m not on the Freeway, at times I still have to calm myself down. My tendency is to still drive very fast and pass whenever possible so I can get where I’m going as fast as possible, instead of enjoying the moment.

4. It’s been said that the most counter-cultural thing a follower of Jesus can do is take a Sabbath. What does it say about us as followers of Jesus if we have such trouble slowing down even for a day–or 20 minutes off the freeway?! Like the fast pace of life in LA affecting me more than I realized, has the culture affected us more than we affect it?