I’m lonely, but I can’t afford the luxury of having one I love to come along…for he who travels fastest, goes alone. (Lonesome Fugitive by Merle Haggard)
Lynn took a short trip with me last Sunday afternoon when I delivered 23,000 pounds of facial tissues to Searcy, AR (enough tissues for every Searcyite to blow their nose for a year!). I was surprised when she said she would go with me since she had said earlier that she would be glad to join me on a trip only after I had several months of experience behind me. It’s amazing what a difference having another person in the truck makes, especially when it’s someone you love. We had a good time even though Lynn was battling a cold. Maybe one day she’ll go cross country with me.
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Two great blessings of being on the road are the sunrises and sunsets. Last week as I motored toward the North Carolina border I was awed by the most beautiful sunrise I had ever seen. The sun inched over the horizon bringing the brightest array of reds and oranges. Each moment I thought it could not get any more glorious, the sky would become even brighter until it crescendo-ed into a mixture of colors so intense the clouds appeared purple and green. Truly, the heavens declare the glory of God! The display came just when I needed assurance of God’s presence, and the sunrise did the trick.
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Another unique perspective of truckers is being able to see into passing cars. I get a clear shot of what drivers are doing, eating, or watching when they zoom by. For example, you wouldn’t believe how many drivers read while they drive. I’ve seen people reading books, magazines or newspapers while speeding down the highway at 70 mph. Many others actually watch a DVD while they drive. I thought those were against the law, but many cars have players mounted on the dash in clear view of the driver. And I thought cell phones were a hazard!
What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen a driver doing?
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Steve Jr. had a great example of our last blog when he and Chrissy encountered a man in an East Boston restaurant. You can check it out at www.harvestboston.net
Steve Williford said
Steve, always great thoughts which cause me to think. Your writings help me remember that life is what happens to us each day – regardless of our plans, regardless of our failed plans, life keeps happening. I appreciate your example of responding to each day with awareness and asking God to help you love those He puts in your path.
Thanks and keep writing,
Steve Williford
Laura said
It’s actually Searcians.
Be careful out there!
Laura
holmark said
Oh, sorry for the mistake, Laura. I know people from Searcy are called many things; just didn’t know it was Searcians…now I do. Thanks for your note.
Steve Sr.
Wayne Holt said
Steve,
I thought I left an earlier message, but coming back to the site I can’t find it. So I am making a 2nd attempt because I want to make sure you know I appreciate your sending this to me, that I am again in awe of your courage and heart for Jesus, and I will pray for you. It has just dawned on me that you are living out the sentiment expressed in the little business card your Dad always handed out. (Ok all of Homer’s kids reading this…you not only know what I’m talking about, but I bet you have a card on you!) If you ever stop at the Truckstop of America off of I-24 East (exit 61 or 62) just past Hickory Hollow, give me a call. I’m exactly 1.7 miles from the TA. Be safe, and may God bless your new ministry.
Wayne
PS If you find the first message, just remember my neurologist will vouch for me.
Cindy Putnam said
The strangest thing I’ve ever seen a driver do? I don’t have any driver stories, but I do remember being a backseat passenger in a car (in high school), watching in fascinated horror as the teenage glamour girl up front stared with great concentration into the rear-view mirror – she was using a straight pin to carefully separate her mascara-coated eyelashes. Yikes! One bump in the road and she would have had a straight pin right through her eyeball!
MH said
Merl Haggard often says it best.
Jody Vickery said
Hey friend. As typical, you’ve given me a new perspective. Now, I’m being more careful about what I do in the pseudo-privacy of my own vehicle (no more flagrant nose picking). And I’m being more curteous to the truck drivers I meet on the road. Brave men and women, one and all, who keep our economy humming and our pantries stocked. May the crooked paths be made straight for you. JV
Julie Kiser said
At least you had some kleenex for Lynn! Glad it’s going well!! We think of you and pray for you guys often…holler if you come our way!
justinmundie said
Hey Mr. Holt! Glad to see you’re doing well in the trucking industry. Its something I told myself I would definitely do if I finished college and wasn’t married. I’m 0 for 2 in that regard.
Anyway, I watch dvds on long trips while driving (but the dvd player is in the passenger seat). I plug it into the stereo so I”m more listening than watching, but its still probably dangerous. So. Sorry about that.
holmark said
As a matter of fact, I saw you picking your nose when I came through Atlanta the other day, Jody. Disgusting! Justin, as they say in “the” industry…keep it between the ditches. Especially great to hear from you, cousin Wayne.
Thanks for everyone’s thoughts.
Steve Sr.