Manual Or Automatic

It has always been more fun to me to drive cars with a standard transmission. You know, push the clutch in and shift the gears yourself, real driving. Automatic transmissions do all the shifting for the driver and it seems as if having one less thing to consider takes away a responsibility as well as some of the fun of driving.


It seems at times my life (my mouth in particular) can be on "automatic". Automatic responses (usually emotional, without thought) to questions about things that I have my mind made up about and don't want to hear other views. Some times I respond strictly out of emotion (with cutting or hurtful remarks) because I'm angry or hurt. And of course there are times when I'm just not interested or paying attention and I give the automatic response: "uh-huh".

Last night Hannah comes to me needing to discuss something she knew was a touchy subject for me. I have been on "automatic" so long she knew what was coming. When she started talking about this subject I reacted like a fire having gasoline poured on it! Excellent communication strategy Greg! Now she's rightfully upset and I'm just on fire!

I'm going to ask God to change my "transmission" to a manual transmission. I want Him to give me a "clutch" to push in and knock my emotions and mouth "out of gear and into neutral" while listening to others and making decisions. Then when He has shown me the correct response or decision I can let the "clutch" out and move "smoothly down the road". This could make the road through life smoother, with a little more joy and understanding.

Drop me a line,

Greg