Drink Driven

I repeatedly travel the same roads. The road to a nearby town, where I do just about everything except sleep. The road to the airport. The road to my favorite shopping area. And I have my favorite drink stops along the way.

Not Starbucks, which I generally reserve for airport days. I'm not a coffee drinker, but love strawberries and cream Fraps! No, I'm driven by fountain drinks...but I have requirements.

• Must be Diet Coke.


• Must have flavored syrup. Cherry is the best. Cherry and lime are the best combination. I can deal with vanilla.


• Must be in a styrofoam cup. I know, not environmentally-friendly, which isn't consistent for me, but I don't like the way other cups "sweat" in the Summer.


• Must be inexpensive. Okay, so I'll give a little on this one and pay extra for the flavoring if I have to.

I seriously have a problem. As an advocate for multi-tasking, I maximize my trips, planning the most efficient routes in my mind. But I almost always consider one of my favorite drink stops as a non-negotiable stop.

It used to drive my husband crazy that I was drink-driven. He thought stopping was a waste of time and money. Thankfully over the years, some of my annoying habits, including this one, have become endearing to him. He even encourages my habit and often surprises me with my favorites. (He prefers Pepsi products and vanilla flavoring.)

But I wonder...Am I drink-driven for Jesus?

Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” “Please, sir,” the woman said, “give me this water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again, and I won’t have to come here to get water.” - John 4:13-15 (NLT)

What about you? Will you go out of your way for Jesus? Do you plan your schedule with him in mind? Is spending time with him non-negotiable?

Perhaps being drink-driven is such a bad thing after all.