And I’m not talking about the stock market and Microsoft.

One of my friends invented a game called Windows Down several years ago.  The game was essentially a war of attrition, where every person in the car that had a window put it all the way down… in the middle of winter.  The rules were simple and few – the last window down wins.  We did not realize that this game was an elaborate ruse used to cover up the fact that the game’s inventor farted in the car and did not wish to own it.  However, since I am apparently cold-tolerant, I always suggest playing this game, and since my car has full window control from the driver’s seat, things can get a bit interesting.

But some of the best experiences can be had when this game is played unintentionally.  For instance, a while back before I-pass, a friend’s car window got stuck down after he threw his change into the basket on the tollway.  That was fun.

Tonight was another unconventional game played with a former small group member.

We had just gotten out of Dos Reales after dinner.  The food was great, and it matched our conversation.  He’s a good friend and a good brother to me.  And though we fight completely different battles, we sort of think alike when it comes to friendships, relationships and expectations.  He’s an encouragement for me.  But after our very heavy talk about leaving and small groups and different PFC’s (Problems, Frustrations and Concerns… shout out to LQ!), we got outside to find that 2 hours of freezing rain had accumulated on the windows.

We cut our losses in an abbreviated and futile attempt with the ice scraper after clearing about one third of the front windshield.  So he started his car and we were off… and we were both too stubborn to stop.  Why does it feel like I’m going to die every time I get into his car?!  (I’m just playing)

So while he backed up, I put my window down and stared out the back to make sure he had room.  And for the rest of the drive back to FAR, whenever he made a turn or switched lanes, there was at least one head sticking out the window to make sure we weren’t about to plow right into a semi or cut off a minivan full of little children.

But this little example kind of illustrated a false dichotomy we had explored during dinner:  Christian friendships and attachments, and individual faith.  Sometimes we need friends to help us see what we can’t.  But at the same time, there is only one driver.  And you could extend the metaphor and get all theological by saying that God is like the pre-programmed GPS, but maybe that takes it too far.

If I was driving by myself, I would have either had to spend a huge amount of time stuck in the parking lot while meticulously scraping all the windows or drive dangerously blind.  But if I had a friend along, I could let that friend be an extra set of eyes and we could get to driving a lot faster.  And maybe it will be an adventure, and maybe it will require faith, but odds are we will get to where God wants us to go.  I’d much rather drive with that friend than go it alone.  Plus, if I’m not mistaken, there’s that optimal weight for driving on an icy road where more passengers could translate to more traction (don’t try that at home, kids).

So thanks for the dinner.  I owe you one.  And stick your head out the window when I cannot see this life so clearly, please.