The Chinese Driver - Part 2

I wished my husband was with us. Perhaps his limited knowledge of Mandarin would allow him to pick-up this conversation.

The driver suddenly stopped talking. He turned sullen and serious; in deep thought. I silently prayed that whatever made him angry should be enough reason for him to stay awake. A fellow passenger from the back row loudly asked, “Is he still awake? Make sure he is not asleep.” I turned around and said, “Are you talking to me? Are you making it my task to keep him awake?”, “Well, you are in the front seat! Do anything to keep him awake,” he said.

As though he understood, the driver took out another cigarette and started puffing away. Once done, he took out his cell phone again and started talking. This time, he was in a very pleasant conversation, subdued but one could see he was enjoying himself. I was starting to jump to conclusions that it could be a girlfriend or his wife on the other line.

Then he took out an apple and started his snack time. I realized we were on Highway 13 en route to Chincoteague Island. Reality dawned on me that he was going to take the famous Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel, a 23-mile drive crossing the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay and connecting the Delmarva Peninsula's eastern shore of Virginia with Virginia beach and the metropolitan area of Hampton Roads.

With gusty winds, speedy driving, cell phone conversations, non-stop smoking and snacking, we all had many reasons to be concerned. I had already started composing some words of complaint to send to his company so he would learn a lesson. On the other hand, I was more intent on sending my silent prayers to the Great Guide and Protector up there who could ensure we reached our destination safely.

Then we passed the bridge toll. Having an EZ pass, he did not even have to stop nor slow down. The 23 mile bridge loomed long before us. The winds picked up speed and then the driver took out another cigarette. He was still driving at a steady 65 mph. Then a sheriff’s car drove right along us. I thought it would just drive pass us, but it didn’t. It drove right next to us all throughout the 23 miles drive through the bridge and tunnel. The Chinese driver had no choice but to slow down. The sheriff's car was the answer to our prayers.

After seven long agonizing hours, we pulled up to the Newport News Terminal. The office was still open and an operator was seated behind the counter. Although I was prepared to say my complaints, I did not do so. Neither did anyone. We were just grateful to arrive safe and sound.

As I reflect on this experience, I cannot help but ask myself: "Who are we allowing to drive us in our Christian experience? Can we trust these friends and colleagues who we make daily conversations with? Do we join in their casual worldly conversation or gossiping? Or do we become an influence in their lives in how we act and talk so they see Christ in us? Are we watchful that we do not become prey to their non-Christlike influence? There are many times when we allow carefree, thoughtless, reckless drivers in our life who do not follow the rules of the highways and byways of our Christian journey. May we not follow their example. May we be more alert and prayerful and always look up to our Guide and Protector so we can reach our heavenly home and enjoy the privileges of being heirs to His Kingdom.

By Raylene Baumgart