Prayer for Safety

[Maledicte]

To start: Every Tuesday night I have a late class, from 7:00 to 10:00. Sometimes we're let out early, but the fact of the matter is, seeing that it's going to be winter soon, it's pretty dark out. I'd like to park closer to the classroom, but because of construction and the parking problems that come with that, the closest space for me to part is a 5-7 minute walk away.

Now, some of you may not know this, but I am in fact female, and hence have more to worry about than tripping in the dark. But that's not the whole problem.

I am terrified of driving at night. It's only once a week, but still it terrifies me. Most likely it has to do with my bad experience while learning how to drive at nights, and on the freeway. I take the freeway because it's quicker and safer than sidestreets. But still, I'm tired, I'm hungry, I'm scared, and I just want to get home. In this case I do indeed "Think2Much" and am so absorbed in this "I just want to get home" mentality that I tend to do dangerous and stupid things--I've almost sideswiped 2 cars, one of which was a pickup about 2 1/2 times the size of my own car.

I've only had my license for 3 months now, and I don't want to do anything to get it revoked...or hurt others or myself. Everytime I get home I feel like I've just outrun a demon or something, it's that bad.

Please pray for my safety at school, and on the road, and also that I can become more confident in my driving abilities, and to be a safe driver. Thanks.

[dragonshimmer]

I'll pray. Is there any form of campus security that can walk you to your car? A lot of campuses have that these days.

As far as the driving...maybe pop in a worship music cd while you're driving and see if that calms you down any, eh? I don't like driving at night, either. It terrifies me, but after six years, I've started to get a bit used to it, as will you, lovely.

You're in my prayers.

[Rogie]

Yeah, you should check into campus security to walk to your car.

I'll pray for your safety in walking around campus at night and in driving at all times!

[Alice]

Will pray.

Also try eating something in the car, maybe? Like an energy bar? It might help a little bit.

[Kaligraphic]

I should take you with me to worship one Friday night - we usually finish a little before midnight, and so I typically start heading home about 1-1:30am.

I could ask you to drive back and we'd both spend a lot more time praying, I'd wager. (No, I wouldn't really ask you to drive back at 1:30am, I like to think I'm more merciful than that - and doubly so when the short route back might or might not be open.)

[freerock1]

Lifting you up. May God keep you safe and grant you peace of mind. Know that God hasn't given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.

[Maledicte]

About the campus security thing--in all honesty it seems to be a waste to me, since the office is about the same distance away from my car, but in the opposite direction. It kind of defeats the whole purpose.

In any case, the whole "getting to my car" thing was really a reaction to this last Tuesday...like an idiot I settled for a further parking spot and when night came around I was terrified. However most of the class I attend leaves in blocks of people, safety in numbers. I would still appreciate your prayers, though.

[bigsleepj]

I'll be praying for you!

[agasfas]

I would invest in pepper spray....

The only bad thing is that no matter how safe a person is on the road, it's the other people who have to worry about.

Sorry, that probably didn't help ease your thoughts... I kind of suck at advice. I agree with what dragonshimmer said, perhaps you may want to find some calming music to listen to on the way home. It may help you feel more comfortable and secure.

I'll be sure to pray for your safety. Take care.

[dragonshimmer]

About the campus security thing--in all honesty it seems to be a waste to me, since the office is about the same distance away from my car, but in the opposite direction. It kind of defeats the whole purpose.

In any case, the whole "getting to my car" thing was really a reaction to this last Tuesday...like an idiot I settled for a further parking spot and when night came around I was terrified. However most of the class I attend leaves in blocks of people, safety in numbers. I would still appreciate your prayers, though.

[color=Sienna] Here, you call campus safety and they come to you. You can set up a time for them to meet you in advance so there's no waiting...there's someone there waiting to escort you to your car after class. I didn't take it into consideration that some places might be different ^^]

[V8Tsunami]

a few ideas
--pray for the Lord to keep you safe.
--If possible, park so that the whole way you walk is lighted.
--Maybe you can get some of your classmates to walk to your car with you.
--Campus security escorts are definitely worth looking into.
--I used to own an umbrella with a pointy tip on the end. Probably not the best choice for a weapon, but it made me feel safer. I've seen people use walking sticks and blunt, metal keyfobs for the same reason.
--If you can swing it, get a cell phone for emergencies. You can get emergency plans for about 30 bucks a month. They're lifesavers.
--If you have to eat something while driving, make sure it's a small snack you can eat quickly. This minimizes the distracitons while driving.
--Be vigilant when driving, but relax. You want to keep your concentration, but not be so tense that you overreact if something goes wrong (like a flat tire).
--Don't try to rush home. Driving fast when you're tired will get you in trouble every time. Stay close to the limit and you'll be fine.
--Leave plenty of room between the cars in front of & behind you (if possible). This gives you time to maneuver if things go wrong.
--Keep your car well-maintatined. If something feels or sounds really bad, have it checked. If you keep your car well-maintained you shouldn't have to worry about it breaking down.

[Maledicte]

Thanks for all the tips, guys. Yes, I have become *quite* the praying person now...

I'm thinking of playing some better music on my way home. Last week I was more calm than usual while listening to Beethoven's 9th (It's kind of praise music, in a way). Nightwish is a night no-no

Thanks you all, I really appreciate it.

[Kaligraphic]

No Nightwish at night? But that's the best time! (especially after midnight, driving fast on the highway...)

[Hitokiri]

Though my class doesnt let out as your does, I have a Tues and Thurs class from 8:10 to 9:25 and when going home, I have to drive in the country with no lights save for a couple. So I understand, that and I have had mine liscence almost for 3 months as well.

One thing I do is play loud music just to keep me awake. Soft music, though calming, could possible cause me to doze behind the wheel and driving 60 mph, that's just asking for trouble. I also splash water on my face before I go (perferbly cold) to wake up.

I will pray for your safety and that God guides you as you drive.

I thought I would hate night driving (my pastor died in a car accident late at night as some of you know) but I have actually started enjoying.