I took a little trip across town today.
Many days I manage to hibernate in my little cocoon of complacency where my world is ordered more or less as I make it. I can think the sky is teal or turquoise and imagine it is falling if I choose and no one else to seriously affected.
Perhaps I need to get out more.
Has the world significantly changed this past year?
Have you all gone crazy?
What is the rush?
Why are you in such a hurry to get to anywhere?
In such a hurry that courtesy and common consideration indicates other people are less important than you are and that only your needs should be met.
What has happened to human decency?
I didn't see any of your cars turn off at the hospital entrance or even to the main clinics as we went by so I know it was not medical emergencies but perhaps some of you are having mental or emotional urgencies that could become emergencies.
I seriously try not to judge you but can I at least get in line?
Would it be OK for me to get where I am going?
After I let you go first, of course!
I admit to not being a tremendously competitive person.
Long lines and heavy traffic may elicit a sigh now and again but, all in all, if I see you with only a few items in your cart (especially if mine is much fuller or you look somewhat stressed - and yeah anyone can tell that by looking at you) I don't mind if you go first and will indicate for you to do so with a nod or gesture.
[And btw - could you please pass it on - someone else may need the same kindness on a day when you CAN slack off a bit.]
You will get a similar nod or gesture as a pedestrian or if we reach for a supermarket item at the same time or arrive simultaneously at the same corner of an intersection.
None the less I wonder at how frazzled so many seem.
Are your priorities in order?
What really matters?
How long since you took the time for that?
How long since you took the time to be nice?
or courteous?
or considerate?
Not for me to know but just ask yourself - are you happy?
And are you hurrying towards happiness and what matters most?
I don't want to get in your way whether you are or are not.
Today I noticed that if I do one of us is likely to die!
Or be maimed for life!
As your cars and carts zoomed and swerved and as your faces scowled and scrinched I wished I could give you enough time - time for the things that WILL ease your burdens and bring you joy.
Genuine joy.
And peace - may each of you find your way to peace and prosperity - soon ...
before you hurt someone.