The law says, “Keep Right Except to Pass”. Those in the middle lane understand it. The right lane drivers are just trying to get on or get off. It’s those pesky drivers in the left lane, the fast lane, who refuse to give up their place to others. No matter how slow they are, or how fast others are.
They are camping in the fast lane.
Okay. It’s frustrating when traffic doesn’t flow because someone hogs the lane. But it’s equally tiring when drivers start reacting against the slowpoke. I’ve been guilty of being frustrated and overreacting, but as I age I’m starting to realize something.
We are all at different places in life,
moving at different speeds,
dealing with distractions,
all which keeps us unaware of how we impact others.
In fact, if we would simply be aware of this truth, we could probably address the problem more sanely – instead of overreacting because someone is not living as we are ourselves.
We live based on who we are, moment by moment. Life is a process from here to there. Since all are in different lanes of life, let's give each other space to process from where they are, not where you want them to be. Click To TweetWhere we are, how we process, where we go from here to there, well, this is the lane of life we are in. Why do we feel the need to push someone from where they are, to where we want them to be? We need to learn some self-control!
Lane Changes
I’ve enjoyed some rental cars lately that can indicate lane changes with simply pressing the turn signal arm with a little pressure, the lights blink appropriately and then stop after 5 blinks, or so. None of my vehicles have had this feature, and it does change my habits when they are there.
That being said, I’m not one to always signal my intentions when moving from here to there, especially if there is no one in the world around me, and doubly so if there is no one impacted by my choice. Since I’m an “aware” driver, I always know where others are in proximity to my driving style.
But how you change lanes is important!
- Awareness of what’s next to you and how you may impact others is paramount to good driving habits. Safety. Protection. Wise choices.
- Planning how you will act/react to changing conditions is definitely important. Training and practice help you know whether you can accomplish your plan!
- Constantly keeping your head on a swivel looking for surprises! (Taught by my flight instructor in 1984.)
- Aggressively watch everyone! They may not be planning their next move as well as you.
Here’s My Thought Today
When you react to your thought process and fail to plan for your next steps, then you are guilty of not planning your lane changes. Innocents may be hurt. Your choices may create problems for your future. The results of your actions may affect you for a long time.
Think about Jonah. You know the story. We think of it as a whale of experience, but reality tells me he made some bad lane changes!
The LORD spoke his word to Jonah, son of Amittai. He said,
“Leave at once for the important city, Nineveh. Announce to the people that I can no longer overlook the wicked things they have done.”
Jonah immediately tried to run away from the LORD by going to Tarshish. He went to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. He paid for the trip and went on board. He wanted to go to Tarshish to get away from the LORD.
(Jonah 1:1-3 GW)
We may not understand his reasoning, but we know he made a choice that did not please God! In fact, his reaction tells us something about his rashness and poor choice. God sent a storm! How do you react to this? What does your lane changing habits say about dealing with God’s threat? What now?
When the facts came to light, he told others around him. “I’m a Hebrew! I worship the God who made land and sea! I’m at fault! Toss me in and the storm will abate!” I wonder why he did not simply jump overboard? You know, take the punishment for his actions and hopefully, others will be saved.
As they tossed him overboard, the storm ceased, and the other sailors offered sacrifices to God. Jonah? Enter the whale!
Life In A New Lane
It wasn’t until he was in the belly of the fish that he finally called out to God. “Change my lane for me! I’m stuck. Help me out!” In essence, my lane changing habits have created a problem. I’m stuck. Please. Help me!
It’s never too late to make better choices, but sometimes you must learn a valuable lesson. For yourself. And for others. How you learn your lesson and share what you learned to others is a valuable lesson! Learned and Taught!