Life in the Fast Lane

RIGHT-OF-WAY
Traffic signs, signals, and pavement markings do not always resolve traffic conflicts. A green light, for example, does not resolve the conflict between a car turning left at an intersection while an oncoming car is going straight through. The right-of-way rule helps resolve these kinds of conflicts. They tell the drivers who goes first and who must wait in different situations.

I'm not a bad driver I tell myself. I love to drive, but perhaps I scare those who have to sit in the passenger seat and surrender to my control. I think I got a big head when in driver's ed. I had very little experience when my hands touched the wheel, but my instructor praised me to the highest for how quickly I caught on. She was quite comfortable in the passenger's seat letting me take us all throughout the county and neighboring towns.

So, the other night when headed back to work, I couldn't help but start thinking and doing a self-examination when the woman in the car facing me started shaking her head at me like I had done something terribly wrong. She had a green light, but the turning arrow had disappeared, meaning she had a signal to yield to the oncoming traffic: ME. I was the traffic with the right-of-way. However, she was determined to cross over traffic and had I not slowed myself there surely would have been an accident. I had to put on brakes and offer her the completion of her turn, as she stared me down and offered choice words.

For a moment I felt the need to throw up my hands, honk, and make some gestures to her about looking at the lights; however, my spirit was calmed. I stopped. What if her signal was still showing she had the right-of-way? The car behind her had appeared anxious to turn as well. Was I doing something wrong? No...the cars behind me were continuing as well...How often in life do we miss or misread signals? And, in misinterpreting the signals, are we then shunned, not forgiven or dismissed completely?

Daily, I am in a role where I have to be able to read signals to help resolve conflicts. Those signs help me determine the approach. And, no two situations are typically alike.

I also know that I'm one those who at times falls short of always following the signs that have been put so blatantly and clearly before us to get us safely to our destination. My impatience gets the best of me. Or, I am so caught up in my own thoughts, I neglect paying attention because the route is so routine. In my negligence, I don't want to miss the "signs" planted before me for detours, nor do I want to overlook the scenery because I'm so rushed.

What should have been an annoyance and irritant to me, became a blessing. On the literal level, I was kept from what could have been a bad situation. On a more figurative level, I brought to some revelations on life and reminded that the fast lane doesn't always mean I will make it to the finish line and come out the best.

Cruising. On a Sunday afternoon...and I'll work to be a better cruiser in more areas of my life.