The Three-Second Rule

Psalm 46:1 – God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. (GNB)

I live only several kilometres from "the 401", a multi-lane super-highway that spans southern Ontario. Recently, the police have held several aggressive driver blitzes, hoping to reduce the number of accidents on the road before they happen.

The last time I travelled on the highway, I found myself marking a tree, sign or bush as the vehicle in front of me passed it, and counting, until I reached the mark: "one one thousand, two one thousand, three one thousand." I was trying to keep to the three-second rule, which driving experts have determined to be an adequate distance between cars. In that three seconds, one is supposed to be able to recognize danger, and stop the vehicle safely.

I wonder what God could tell us, if we applied the three-second rule in our lives. What would He say if every time we faced a decision or encountered a problem, we paused to ask for His help, and listened, for just three seconds? He could keep us from running headlong into trouble, or tell us to change course, or stop us long before a problem existed.

The three-second rule: let's think of how we can use it on the road of life.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, three seconds pass in an instant, but it is long enough to feel Your presence. As we pause for a moment, show us the way, Your way. Amen.