I notice things about people as they cross the street in front of me while I wait at a stoplight. Some people go only when the little walking light tells them to. That's good, obeying the law. Some people will go any old time that they want to. Some people will hustle it across the street, which seems respectful of those of us that are waiting to go as the light turns green as they're mid-street. I don't mind waiting if they are at least attempting to get across the street quickly.
I do find myself thinking unpleasant thoughts about those that seem to revel in the idea that their relatively little person is stopping me in my big ole' car from continuing on my way. It's like some kind of weird power trip they enjoy. I have to admit that there is a particular group of people, not related solely to race or part of town, but more related to an obvious attitude and sense of entitlement that they possess...and these make me crazy when they happen to cross in front of me. They walk off the curb at the most inopportune times, but then take their happy time going across the road. It's obvious that all their limbs function just fine, they just choose to walk slowly and deliberately while looking with disdain at each of us in the cars as they walk by. Why? Didn't their mothers teach them to be respectful of others? This is, to me, disrespectful.
All this came to me more clearly the other day, when a young man started to cross a street as I waited at the light. He stepped off the curb, obviously struggling to keep his balance due to a physical difficulty of some kind. His legs were bent differently than most, and it took some bit of energy to maneuver his way forward. YET--he moved across the street as quickly as he could, smiling at each of us, and waving as if to convey his appreciation for our patience. Now that's how it's done. That's how my mom taught me to cross a street.
I do find myself thinking unpleasant thoughts about those that seem to revel in the idea that their relatively little person is stopping me in my big ole' car from continuing on my way. It's like some kind of weird power trip they enjoy. I have to admit that there is a particular group of people, not related solely to race or part of town, but more related to an obvious attitude and sense of entitlement that they possess...and these make me crazy when they happen to cross in front of me. They walk off the curb at the most inopportune times, but then take their happy time going across the road. It's obvious that all their limbs function just fine, they just choose to walk slowly and deliberately while looking with disdain at each of us in the cars as they walk by. Why? Didn't their mothers teach them to be respectful of others? This is, to me, disrespectful.
All this came to me more clearly the other day, when a young man started to cross a street as I waited at the light. He stepped off the curb, obviously struggling to keep his balance due to a physical difficulty of some kind. His legs were bent differently than most, and it took some bit of energy to maneuver his way forward. YET--he moved across the street as quickly as he could, smiling at each of us, and waving as if to convey his appreciation for our patience. Now that's how it's done. That's how my mom taught me to cross a street.
Funny also what things cross our path in life as we are trying to move on in our big, 'ole car. Some things pass quickly and we're able to move on--other things seem to mock us as they prevent us from moving on with "our" plans and desires when we think it is time. And then sometimes we are able to see the reason for the delay. At least that is how life often goes for me--but this is your blog--what am I thinkin'
ReplyDeleteNo no no! That's a great comment! Don't ever cut yourself off... that's exactly what I'm looking for. In this instance, I never considered that analogy, and I LOVE it! It's so perfect for the time right now, so thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI also was taught to scoot right along and no hold anyone up--common courtesy. But the older I get, the more I realize that I can't always be worried about bothering someone else. Sometimes it is okay to feel the sunshine on your face and forget that others are waiting, tapping their fingers on steering wheels, and expecting results. Sometimes God justs wants us to feel the sunshine.
ReplyDeleteCarole--That is a good point, feeling the sunshine, but I have to admit I'm thinking, "Can't you do that from the sidewalk?" I've still got some working on me to do.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the compliment. It's always special when parents can see that their child heard -- and learned -- what they said :o) Love you, Honey!
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