I woke early on our last day in the Ukraine and was thinking about some of our experiences.  Had thought of sharing some things that day but the opportunity did not present.  But, for better or worse, what follows is what I was thinking.
Driving lessons from the Ukraine

It’s hard to ignore the Ukraine road traffic.  The speed of the vehicles, the enthusiastic (!!) driving style and maneuvers, the condition of the roads.  You can be left a bit wide eyed on your first encounter ... and the second!

Yet I see some similarities between this traffic turmoil and our own journey in life.

Firstly, there are those times when the traffic is fast.  It is pedal to the floor and away we go.  Sometimes life seems fast too.  We seem to be racing along, and depending on the circumstances we feel exhilarated or a bit scared, or perhaps both at once!  We sense our relationship with Christ is deepening , we are growing, things are happening.  Our journey surface may be smooth and we revel in the comfort and ease of movement, the feeling of well being.  Our journey may instead be not smooth, bucking about on a bumpy, rutted surface where we are barely able to focus on the scene as it rushes past.  Can I keep in step with the Spirit regardless of the speed or comfort?

Other times the traffic slows, even abruptly, when the brakes are applied.   And so with us, there will be times when braking is required.  For whenever we are on the move in our Christian journey the enemy will be looking for obstacles to place in our way.  If we remain vigilant and alert in Christ, these obstacles can be comfortably avoided.  But some of these ‘obstacles’ can appear attractive and even desirable to ‘bump into’!  Am I willing to exercise my will and apply the brakes? 

Then there are those times when the traffic has come to a standstill.  And there we sit, waiting.  Do we wait patiently, or do we lean on the horn and fume about the delay.  Do we respond to the apparent delays in our spiritual journey by getting anxious or bad tempered.  Sometimes we know why delays occur, but mostly it is not immediately obvious.  Can I trust God that He is still at work in me and in those things that concern me at this time? 

Changing lanes seems to almost be a national sport in Kiev traffic.  Each driver appears to be constantly looking for the best break, the quickest way to get ahead. 

Now there is certainly a place in our spiritual journey to ‘change lanes’, to reposition ourselves.  It may be because the route we are on has served its purpose, or there is an obstacle on it that will hinder our progress.  God may be prompting us to change direction and trust him in something new.  Perhaps it is determining to avoid an unhealthy relationship.  Have I considered where my present lane is taking me?  Am I willing to be proactive with changes to my life if required?
   But changing lanes for the sake of variety, or a seemingly quicker route can also be just another name for avoidance.  I will need to take care with diversions if I am to remain obedient to God’s call on my life, and to being consistent in my Christian life and witness.  Am I willing to do what it takes to simply ‘hang in there’ and develop Godly character?

And finally, that great Ukrainian  maneuver when the traffic comes to a standstill, of driving up onto the footpath and charging along it.  The saying ‘the end does not justify the means’ springs readily to mind.  Am I willing to obey Christ and seek His righteousness first?  Will I choose to develop a faith that is convinced God will shape my destiny perfectly if I do it His way?