Driving in Puerto Rico--multitasking at its "best"

Driving in Puerto Rico requires your undivided attention. The roads themselves present all kinds of challenges--unmarked exits, exits with no warning, turn only lanes with no warning, lanes ending with no warning--you get the picture. When you mix in the drivers it really makes it interesting. So interesting that only yesterday Dana and I were wishing we had a camera in the car with us to record some of the things they do here.

There is the usual number of people talking on their cell phone, who are joined by those deeply engaged in conversation with one (or all) of the passengers, not to mention those acting as tour guides and pointing out all of the sights. While doing this they will drop 10-15 miles below the speed limit and are as likely to be in the far left lane as they are to be in the far right. We have seen women putting make up and countless numbers eating but we had another first today--a car in front of us was driving 10 or more miles under the speed limit as well as having trouble holding her lane. When we passed her it looked like she was breastfeeding--I couldn't see under the towel mind you, but it was the typical arrangement. I don't have a problem with breastfeeding, even in public if she's covered, but while driving?

None of the things these drivers are doing while driving is "bad", but they do distract them from the main thing--driving. The spiritual application of my ranting centers on just this point--Christians cannot allow themselves to be distracted from the main thing. As disciples of Christ our goal is to become like Him--in word, in thought, in deed. Everything we do, think, or say should be what He would do.

But often we allow ourselves to be distracted by other "good" things--children's activities, work, hobbies, sports, etc. While there is nothing wrong with any of these things, like driving distractions, they slow us down in our progress toward becoming more Christ-like or sometimes even derail us completely. Jesus rebuke of Martha was not so much, "Martha you sinful woman" but rather "Martha you are troubled about many things, but Mary has chosen the good part." Let us strive to choose the "good" part that cannot be taken away from us.

Tol