In 44 states, it is illegal to text and drive. Fourteen states ban holding a device. You must, in other words, be able to drive hands free. But, while on a recent road trip spanning five states, I noticed that many people ignore the law. They just cannot avoid reading emails, texting or internet surfing on their hand held device. The potential disaster of driving at 70 miles per hour without paying careful attention didn’t seem to dissuade people from catching up on communications. I am meeting more and more people who are victims of accidents involving mobile device based distracted driving. People just feel that they must stay connected.
For my Christian brothers and sisters, I wish there were that kind of zeal for connection with our Lord. I wish that connection through prayer would be nearly impossible to stop, whether driving, eating, walking or working. Imagine the good that could be accomplished and the growth that would ensue if people were doggedly addicted to speaking with the author of life, the Savior of humanity, the Lord of the universe.
Good news. Praying is hands free. You can drive undistracted and become better focused all at once. You can confess with eyes wide open. You can thank God for everything you see in front of you. You can intercede for people in great need while you are driving safely down the road. I’ve done it. In fact, I have been able to be more alert in doing it. In fact, I have finished trips much more refreshed than when I began because of it. Go ahead. Stay connected while you drive. But, keep the connection with the Lord or the living human being in the passenger’s seat. It is safe, beneficial, truly relational rather than artificially so, and its life changing.