How Gas Prices Affect You

I was sitting here watching the news and have seen how gasoline prices have gone up; they predict by the summer you’ll be paying $5.00 a gallon. I think they forgot there are a lot of places that are already paying that much. However, I’ve heard that the healthiest people are those that live in Europe because they're not dependent on cars, they actually walk. They’ve been saying that everyone has to start changing their habits. I guess that means not using your car that much and reducing the amount of gasoline you actually buy. I sincerely hope those same people start changing some of theirs; you can’t tell someone to do something if you don’t actually live by the same rules.

When it comes to gasoline, how much is too much, what’s your limit and haven’t people become a little too dependent on a car? Have they finally realized they should start cutting back? I see SUVs storming down the street and the driver's, sport those cars like they couldn’t be prouder. However, something strange happened, when they’re at the gas station, they look extremely angry. I guess they never thought it would get to a point that gasoline would be as expensive as it is and still climbing. I’ve also seen Hummers parked for days end; the owners don’t even touch them. To think they spent their money on one of those cars and now can't afford to fill the tank. What would happen if your car broke down, if you didn’t have the money to get it fixed or simply didn’t have one? What would you do?

A while back ago there was a real bad storm and the lights went out not only in the house but outside as well; things were strewn all over the streets, people were driving carelessly; they wouldn’t stop, they wouldn’t let others pass. At the same time it was still raining and lightning was flashing trying to make its way to that one spot where it could provoke more mayhem than there already was. I happened to be walking and looked at the anarchy that had just developed. I wanted to get home but I was caught in a storm that kicked up again; I couldn’t make my way back so I prayed and kept going.

I was walking over branches, trees had been split as if they were watermelons, cars had their windshields broken, traffic lights were hanging loosely and the roar of thunder crashed louder and with more frequency. When I got to the store the lights were out and the employees were hanging around; some were leaving, so I trekked back faster than I thought; you’d be surprised what a disaster does to a person; they DON’T stick around. I prayed even harder every time I heard thunder and saw that continuous flash of lightning. With what I saw I could’ve been hit by lightning or gotten hurt; with so many cars coming and going and no traffic lights, no one wanted to let me cross the street. People were shielded in their car trying to get out of that situation. However at that moment I didn’t need a car to shield me from the elements, Jehovah God was the one that took care of that. I got home safe and unharmed. “And those knowing your name will trust in you, For you will certainly not leave those looking for you, O Jehovah.” Psalms 9:10

So what’s going to happen with gas prices? Are we going to see people’s nerves rattled because they have to pay more or are they already angry? Is it going to get the best of them if they have to walk, wait for the bus or can they carpool? Should they start walking now to places they can get to and start weaning themselves off their car dependence? That would be a good idea.

Business isn’t about being good Samaritans therefore they will exploit a situation; they know you need it and charge outrageous prices. Since you know how much you have to put out when it comes to gas, you may want to start looking around and see what you can do without. For example, do you really need cable or are you willing to settle for a package that has fewer channels? Do you need the latest cell phone and do you realize that texting can also add up? If anyone uses a land line phone do you need as many amenities as they offer or do you have it because everyone else does? And do you really need such a big gas guzzler SUV or can you settle for a four cylinder that’s going to serve it's purpose? You really shouldn't be trying to impress anyone when it comes to a car or anything for that matter.

During this very difficult time, make sure you know what your priorities are. You don’t want to fill up your car nor do you want superfluous things to get in the way and go without food. I hope people keep their spirits up and if they have to park their car for a while and walk, look at it this way, you’re doing your health a favor.