Pardon the intrusion…

I was sixteen and eager to use my brand-new driver’s license at any opportunity. So when my mother asked me to go buy a gallon of milk, I didn’t whine; I took the money from her hand and set out, going to the store by the longest route possible. I was listening to the radio, cruising like a movie star, enjoying the still-new feeling of driving without anyone else in the car. After about fifteen minutes, I came to a stop sign and carefully braked. That’s when a strange man opened the door and got into my car. I glanced at the rearview mirror and saw two other guys in a car behind me. The fellow sitting in my passenger seat instructed me to drive out to the reservoir. Panicked, I did just what he said. Every time I came to a stop sign, the guys in the car behind would roll up and hit my bumper. I remember glancing at myself in the mirror and noticing how pale and scared I looked.
When I parked near the reservoir, the guy in my car asked for my wallet. I pleaded for him to let me go to the store and he could have the change from the money my mom had given me. For some reason he agreed. They followed me to the store, then took the money and left.
Back home, my mother’s “Where in the world have you been?” quickly turned to concern when she heard what had happened. I began locking the doors when I drove. I was angry and frightened of the guy who’d robbed me. But I moved on. That’s why it was a surprise when he popped into my head a few days ago. Occasionally I am convicted by Jesus’ statement that I cannot be forgiven unless I first forgive. So I will go through my past, trying to think of people I’ve never forgiven. After decades, I was suddenly reminded of the guy in my car. And I realized I’d had the car door locked—with him inside—for all these years. It was time to let him out.
We can give up driving, choosing instead to be driven…driven by hate or fear or guilt or doubt. Gas is expensive, though. It might be time to lighten the load. You won’t believe how much your mileage improves.