Flat Tires and Fast Lanes

 I’m a firm believer in finding a takeaway in every experience. Life has taught me that each situation, no matter how big or small, holds a lesson waiting to be uncovered. Yesterday was one of those days.

As we drove back from Hallelujah Night, we noticed a car weaving in and out of traffic, speeding and using all four lanes like it owned the road. The driver seemed confident and familiar with the route, but his reckless swerving was unsettling for everyone around him. It reminded me of the old saying, “If you stay in your lane, you’ll be okay.” But yesterday I saw the flipside of that idea, and it taught me something different.

On this particular stretch of highway, there were four lanes. My mother settled into lane 2, her “comfort lane,” where she felt safe and in control. Meanwhile, the silver car was racing between lanes, making everyone tense. Eventually, his unpredictable moves forced my mom to switch to lane 3 for her own peace of mind. This reminded me: life isn’t as simple as staying in “our lane.” Sometimes, life’s seasons call us to pivot, adjust, and even change lanes for our well-being.

Life can trick us into thinking that if we just stick to our path, we’re safe from hardship. But that’s a myth. Life is dynamic; seasons change, and so do the lanes we travel. In one season, steady consistency might be exactly what we need. But in another, staying too steady can leave us stuck, stagnant, or even cause us to miss out on necessary growth.

If we hold too tightly to staying in one lane, we might resist the adjustments that life calls for. And trust me, I understand how tough those adjustments can be. In just two years, I experienced so much loss: my Godmother, a beloved student, and a significant relationship. I went through seasons of deep love, but also devastating heartbreak, and times I had to leave behind what was familiar, retreating home to find clarity. Those moments taught me that healing and growth often require us to switch lanes, change speeds, and approach life differently depending on the season.

Staying in your lane won’t shield you from grief, loss, or unexpected events. But being open to adjustments—that’s where real resilience lies. Think about it this way: if you had a flat tire, you wouldn’t keep driving. You’d pull over, assess the damage, and repair it before continuing your journey. Life’s low moments, the “flat tires” along the way, deserve the same response. How we heal, and whether we repair those flats with a temporary fix or a lasting solution, impacts the journey ahead.

I pray that in this season, you let God guide your path. Allow Him to be your light, your steady compass, as you navigate whatever comes your way. Sometimes, you’ll lose people, places, or things that were once vital to your journey. But remember, even when you’re in different lanes, you can still reach the same destination. Stay open to the shift—your journey is worth every adjustment.