Life really is like a highway.
We cruise along every day at our own pace, on our own path.
Each of our cars is a different shape, style, color. Each is in a different condition. Some have higher mileage, better features, stinkier exhaust than others. But we all have one thing in common: we are all headed from point A to point B.
Each looks forward to different landmarks. Whether it's the family campground to the left or the big cross on the right, each of us has our own set of personal reminders that we are on the right path.
We all go a little too fast sometimes. Most often, we are only slowed down by the pace of those around us. But as experience often proves, the best way to stay out of trouble is to keep with the flow of traffic.
If someone rides our ass, we are quick to raise our tempers, our voices and sometimes our middle fingers. However, if we are honest with ourselves, we can probably remember the last time we were on the other end of the tailgate...
Sometimes the mistakes we make result in accidents. Sometimes they cause total wrecks. Only then can we see the trickle effect of our actions. When we have to call on people we don't really like for help..When traffic gets backed up for miles and we inconvenience people we don't even know.. When it takes us months, years to recover and even then we aren't the same as we once were.. But if we are lucky enough to survive these accidents, we become better drivers.
Sometimes we don't take the time to appreciate the beauty that is quickly passing us by. Other times we become so engulfed in this passing beauty that we forget to move forward.
Some of us hit every single bump in the road. Then our alignment gets screwed up and we start hitting curbs. And before we know it we've blown out a tire and ridden on a rim so long that we don't think we'll ever be able to drive again. Then just in the nick of time, someone shows up to help us put on the spare. And low and behold, we're back on the highway. And hopefully that flat tire is something we will never forget.
As we merge onto the highway, we rarely see the big picture. It is nearly impossible for us to understand how our paths intertwine with everyone else's. We are self-centered because it is easier than the alternative.
The next time you're driving down the highway, pay attention to the cars merging into your path. Before you decide that they are moving to slow or too fast, before you judge them based on their make, model or color, consider the path they are on. The may be traveling at a different pace. They may be searching for a different landmark. There may be a little mud on their tires, spinners on their rims or stickers on their bumper. But regardless of their exterior, they are just trying to make their way down their own path. Chances are, they have taken some pretty bumpy roads on their journey. And chances are, there are many more to come.
So just for today, let that tricked out Honda merge in front of you, even though they sped all the way down the lane that we all knew was getting ready to close for construction.
Just for today, give that diesel truck a break, even though its air pollution is pumping straight from its exhaust pipe into your lungs.
Just for today, let that BMW think it really was your fault that he almost side-swiped you as he unknowingly merged into your lane.
Just for today, remember that life is a highway and we're all just trying to make it from point A to point B.
