Float like a Cadillac, sink like a Beamer

All throughout the Pixar film, Cars, we see many obstacles that challenge the famous Lighting McQueen’s fast-paced lifestyle.

After getting lost and abandoned on his way to California to compete in the final round of the Piston Cup, McQueen finds himself in little podunk, old and forgotten, Radiator Springs.

During the dramatic unexpected detour, McQueen accidentally damages a large section of Route 66 and is sentenced to repair and repave the historic road by the local sheriff. McQueen, already annoyed and frustrated, is presented with a rustic, barely functioning paver that will undeniably prevent McQueen from finishing in a timely manner and potentially put his final race at risk.

McQueen, always living the fast-paced life, rushes to fulfill his sentence and leaves the highway as a bumpy, zig-zagged mess.

Doc Hudson, the town sheriff, reviews McQueens work and with obvious frustration forces him to redo his sentence until the road is drivable once more. McQueen, who is becoming increasingly aggravated, promises to redo his work the following day. Dusk and dawn passed, and to everyone’s surprise, the bumpy, zig-zagged section of Route 66 was in pristine condition. The locals were jumping for joy and reminiscing of the days when the highway looked this good many years before. McQueen was praised for his job well-done and for his lesson learned on slowing down.

Now, some of you may be wondering why you are reading a synopsis of an animated film that came out 11 years ago (woah. wait. what? 11 years?).

The point: In America it is thought that having a full schedule and living a fast-paced life is the definition of success. That we must constantly be on the move.

We live in a society where instant gratification has become a norm and when that is challenged we become undeniably agitated.

If the person in front of us at a stop light doesn’t start moving AS SOON as the light turns green, it’s a given that there will be someone slamming on the horn. If we order food at a restaurant and it takes a little longer than normal for us to receive our food, complaining is almost guaranteed and often times the manager will be called. If we are walking on the sidewalk and we are stuck behind someone going slower than our desired speed, we become increasingly annoyed and aggravated and mumble under our breath.

We need to slow down and be okay with being still, and practice patience.

This has proven to be one the biggest struggles thus far. In the African culture, time is literally just a number with no significant meaning. Someone says, “Hey, let’s meet at 9.” Chances are they will come around 11. Or 1. Or 3. Or maybe not at all. (It’s a fun little guessing game).
When we order food, it takes on average an hour to receive our food, if they even have the food we want to order.
If we are walking on the sidewalk, we are moving at a solid .5 mph.

Scripture tells us numerous times to be patient and to be still, yet so many of us struggle with this concept. It is important to remind ourselves that it is okay to be present and not focus on our next step forward. If we constantly look ahead on our walk, we will never see God walking alongside us.
If we focus so much time and energy on making it to the next step on the ladder to success, we will miss out on the journey and relationships waiting for us to form.

McQueen ends up making it to the Piston Cup Final last minute and winning the race, but instead of continuing his racing career and soaking up the glory, he moves back to Radiator Springs and continues growing his relationships with the locals.

McQueen learns the importance of slowing down and being still and present, instead of constantly focusing on the future. He learns that failing often encourages growth and that meaningful relationships break down conceded egos. Ultimately, and most importantly, he learns that it’s about the journey, not the finish line.

So I encourage you to walk alongside me and slow down. Let’s not get caught up in the American lifestyle and forget what’s most important: God and your neighbor. Let’s slow ride, and take it easy.