driving green

a couple of weeks ago, i happened to catch a news story that stated driving at 50 mph rather than 60 or greater would save you the equivalent of (or somewhere around) .40 cents a gallon (you math folk can figure out the savings). so being a cheap skate and haunted by current gas prices, coupled with my sincere desire to go green in as many ways as possible (another post?), i decided to drive the speed limit (yes i am one of those habitual 7 mph over the speed limit drivers (and more on interstates)) .

so last week on a drive from Annapolis to my home in southern Maryland, i drove the speed limit. this isn't a big deal on divided multi-lane roads, but on this particular drive there is a long stretch of single lane highway that is a major commuter road. it was on this stretch, as i was conscientiously obeying the speed limit, that a line of cars started to form behind me. this became for me - highly stressful. i like people to like me. but as i drove, i kept thinking of what all those behind me were thinking - nasty things - things that I think when i drive up on someone going too slow for my tastes.

i was tempted to pull over and let everyone pass, but i also worried that with the line so long, i would never get back on the road! and i was also stubborn enough not to press down on the gas pedal just to accommodate the speeders - after all i was going green. so i puttered along - stressing - until we got to the multi-lane highway where everyone could pass me. i stared straight ahead as they passed.

i did sleep well that night knowing that voluntarily i had earned some green credits for myself and involuntarily for others. i sure hope all those folk appreciate the favor i did them the next time they visit the gas pump.

what would our world be like if we all slowed down a little, stopped tailgating, and enjoyed the ride?

and on another note, will you do the right thing despite pressures from those around you to drop your values?

Al Roker

Orlando Airport security lines.

Michelle, my wife met Al Roker on Thursday as we waited in line to have our carry-ons screened before flying home. Al wasn't a happy camper. the lines were long and Mr. Roker's request to move to a shorter line was rebuffed by a TSA official. my peace-making wife tried to console Mr. Roker as he waited impatiently behind us. it definitely wasn't the same picture we've had of cheerful Al on the Today Show and Food Network.

it can't be easy being a public figure. there weren't any paparazzi trailing Al Roker, but still, there was no blending into the crowd. how do you separate your public and private persona?

on a MUCH smaller scale, as a pastor in a small community, i've had to wrestle with the public nature of my calling. i can try to hide from it. avoid it. or always be "on call" - always wearing the clergy uniform. none of the above have worked very well.

i too have my good days and my bad days. one thing i am striving for is authenticity - wysiwyg - what you see is what you get. not that I use the "pulpit" (actually music stand) as public therapy, but i definitely don't want a huge disconnect between my public life and my private. this will require friends and especially my wife to keep me on the true (truth) path. she knows more than anyone whether the morning message jives with the evening dinner

hope you have a better day tomorrow Al.