What’s Cooking: Many designated drivers also unsafe behind wheel
As the year ends and a new year is upon us, many people are thinking of partying. Along with that partying there will be much drinking of alcoholic beverages. I, for one, never think of going to New Year’s Eve parties, much less drink such beverages. Actually, I would feel out of place at such parties. I guess many would think it strange that I feel that way. But actually I’m glad that I do.
It would be entirely possible that those who attend such parties and drink to the excess like a lot of people do would care less what the Bible says about such actions.
But Peter said in 1 Peter 4:3-5: “For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, reveling, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.”
Solomon said in the long ago, Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. Pro 23:29-35: “Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hathcontentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.
The above should certainty tell us something of what alcoholic drink will do to those who chooses to indulge therein. Close to most major holidays, especially Christmas and New Year’s we hear many pleas about folks should choose a designated driver. I think it is sad when folks goes to a party fully intending on getting drunk and being unable to get himself/herself home safely. Some do this but would not admit that this is one of their high priorities.
The question comes to mind, “Why end or begin the year in such a way?” Why can’t these people enjoy being together with a clear-mind.
A few months ago I attended several class reunions. They are special occasions? perhaps far more special to some of us than a New Year’s Eve celebration. We didn’t celebrate the occasions with alcoholic beverages or other drugs. I don’t believe a better time could have been had. I think all who attended the reunion can look back on the occasion with pleasant memories. That is more than some will be able to say about their New Year’s celebration. And I wonder how many designated drivers will be unsafe drivers. This is something I believe we need to think about. Happy 2005!