I apologize. You'll have to put up with my pictureless blogs for the time being. The camera's been broken since Christmas, and I've got my eye on a new Canon that I think comes out next month! So bare with.
I had an interesting experience on the freeway. It was a little after 5 on Friday night, and traffic was thick, but moving easily. I had to switch lanes and sneak in front of a car, that was closer than I normally would have liked, but not dangerously so. I blinked, he didn't seem to slow any, I moved over anyhow, I looked in front just as the car ahead came to a complete stop. From 60 to zero in about a half a second. I slammed on my breaks coming inches from their rear bumper then glanced in my rear view and held my breath. The car behind me came to a stop within inches of me. A car behind him couldn't stop and swirved to the left, the car behind that one could not stop and swerved off onto the right shoulder. For what seemed like forever, I sat there and prayed that no one would hit, and in the end no one did. We all started up again and continue onward. The car behind passed me on the right, honked angrily, and I was glad that was all.
Admittedly, the blame could be placed with me. I was the one who quickly maneuvered into their lane, but I have no idea why the car in front of me stopped so abruptly, it truly was just horrible terrible timing, not really bad judgement. Everything was moving along just fine until that moment. I was just so grateful that everyone was on their A-game and paying attention and thus averted a chatastrophe.
The guy behind obviously blamed me 100%, and I couldn't help but think that was a little unfair. I was not being reckless or making poor decisions. I wondered how often do I unfairly place blame on others and/or situations when I should have a bit more patience?
I also couldn't help but think, how often do I show ingratitude when I should be thanking my unlucky stars that I somehow managed to scrape by? How often do I curse the heavens for my near misses or mere inconveniences, when I really should be thanking them for the blessings that have been mine? How often do I honk my horn in disgust, when I should be driving onward with newfound appreciation and wisdom?
It was a profound moment for me.
2 comments:
Glad everyone got out of that moment uninjured and that you recognized the truths you did. I'll think of this the next time Matt is yelling and honking at the cars next to us. :)
We'll forgive the picture-less blog posts since we got to see you in person!! Thanks for the great visit. Ella is a doll and the girls are still talking about her. Call us to tend anytime...
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