Stuck in Traffic

I've been watching a lot of Chicago traffic from my hotel window that looks right out to the interstate. It seems that more often than not, there is a traffic jam where cars are moving 5 mph or slower. Rush hour is never ending here.

From working at the welcome center I know how irritated people are coming from Chicago. The horrible traffic they had to deal with, how it took them hours to get from one side of the city to the other. They see it as a stress. It's not surprising, sitting in traffic feels like you are wasting time, makes you late for work, it sets you back in your plans for vacation, it keeps everyone confined to a small space for what seems like hours on end, but traffic jams are out of your control. There isn't much point in getting angry, upset, or complaining because it's not going to change the situation.

The thing is, being stuck in traffic doesn't have to be a horrible thing. If you are alone in the car it can be that time you need away from everything, maybe not the most relaxing setting, but it gives you time to think. I don't think it ruins vacation plans, the point of many vacations is to spend time with the family or people you are traveling with, what better way then to spend extra hours in a car together? Being stuck in traffic isn't a waste of time, but rather can be a blessing, giving you the time you need for you or that extra time with loved ones.

Waiting for my visa is kind of like being stuck in traffic. As I watch traffic creep by my window I think about the waiting that I am doing. I can't go anywhere until "traffic" clears up. Rather than get upset or complain I've been looking for the blessings. I'm blessed to have another lovely UK YAGM to keep me company as she waits for her visa. I'm blessed to have the ELCA taking care of me with a great staff that checks in at least once a day. I'm blessed to be in Chicago and have the opportunity to explore the city. Most of all, I'm blessed to have the first glimpse of what I believe will be a recurring theme for this year: I'm not in control. This may be God's way of reintroducing me to the idea that He has the control, we have been down this path before, but this year, I don't think He is going to let me forget.

Being stuck in traffic sucks, it really does, but I'm going to try and enjoy my traffic jam, because I can't control it and traffic will clear up sooner or later.