The natives are getting restless. I am not sure of the origin of the phrase but the meaning indicates that things are about to change. Our current situation is so foreign to what we are used to it is expected that we would be uncomfortable and restless. How are we dealing with that restlessness? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

By now the racing calendar says we should be in full swing, not only would the national series be settling into the season but local racing would be fired up and ready to roll. We have had delays in the past but mostly those were weather related and we would deal with them. This however is different. Not only is there no definite start date on the horizon, there is a different start up schedule for each location.

I think there is a timeframe on our ability to remain idle. For some of us that is a few seconds, others may be good for an hour or two. Other may even be able to wait a day or so. I am sure no one has the experience that we are currently six weeks into. This my friend is uncharted territory. When and how do we get this whole thing started again?

I am in the category of a few seconds to a minute or two. My ability to sit and focus on one thing is a challenge. I struggle to stay focused on a television show I am watching without grabbing my phone to check it. I realize that is a distraction for others and something I need to improve on. I get restless after a few moments. My wife is a saint for putting up with me for the last month or so. I am sure it hasn’t been easy.

Maybe that is why I like the track, so many different things going on at once. So many people, so many opportunities. Let me ask you, how are you coping? Have you been able to find a rhythm and settle in for the duration? Maybe not, maybe you have worn a path back and forth across the floor. Maybe you have bounced your leg endlessly until it aches. Maybe you have fidgeted with something so long it broke. Rest assured you are not alone. This is a restless time.

I would like to say the end is near, not to the world but to the isolation, but some are closer than others. The staggered start will only add to our restlessness especially if there are others doing the thing we are being prohibited from doing. I believe that is the source of restlessness, not being able to be content with where we are and what we are doing. We need practice being at peace with the situations that are out of our control. I am reminded of the serenity prayer.

God, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time,
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardship as a pathway to peace;
taking, as Jesus did,
this sinful world as it is,
not as I would have it;
trusting that You will make all things right
if I surrender to Your will;
so that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with You forever in the next.

Amen.

                                            Reinhold Niebuhr

The prayer helps us understand that we do not control everything and we need to be at peace with that. Take each day, one at a time and deal with it as such. Psalm 46:1 is a good companion along with Psalm 23;

Psalm 46:1; NLT; God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

Psalm 23; NLT; The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.      

He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

As Christ finished speaking to the Disciples at the Last Supper he made this statement;

John 14:27; NLT; Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Peace is an interesting gift. Jesus has the power and authority to make peace and he gives it to us. Peace isn’t circumstantial, we can be surrounded by chaos and still be at peace. The key is to remember that regardless of what is happening around us, no matter how overwhelming it can seem, Christ overcame it and he will walk us through it. He is our peace. He can overcome any threat we face. Trust in him and let him walk beside you and give you peace.

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.              

He renews my strength.

Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.