First Place is Not the Only Spot

Turning left on the large hill leading to Maple Valley
highway, known as 140th was part of my usual morning driving routine.
I thought to myself this particular light at the intersection of Fairwood
Boulevard and 140th is slow to change coloring. In fact it had been
this way for at least fifteen-years that I knew of for certain. This morning
the light changed and I edged forward, pausing momentarily to get a quick view
of traffic. I had witnessed too many near collisions in this area not to be
cautious. A couple of cars turned in front of me, emerging from the other side
of the street (Fairwood Greens.) I watched as they quickly rounded the corner
and turned in to their lane. It was my time finally. While turning I noticed a
car off in the distance heading in my direction at a rapid speed. It was
obvious they were stepping on the accelerator, unwilling to slow down or wait.
I had to speed up to avoid a near hit on the passenger side of my car. My
temperature rose, this was the side of the car where my teenage daughter was
currently sitting.

Descending towards the bottom of 140th, I
noticed though the speed was 40 m.p.h. many people were going much faster than
this, cutting off others- to be in front. There were a couple of close calls,
as some thrust their cars in to spaces that didn’t seem big enough. I inhaled
deeply. Reaching the stop light at the bottom of the hill I began to giggle.
Looking to my left, I saw the drivers that had shot past me like lightening
next to me. The reckless driving I had seen demonstrated and they got no
further than I did. I wondered what their heart rates were now. It was at this
point I decided to take a couple of days and observe the extent individuals
will go to be first. We have all been guilty of using various tactics to speed
things up, but what would I notice when I slowed my daily pace in an attempt to
become more aware in life?

Beginning my challenge, it was what I observed that was
surprising at times. While driving: often the minute someone turned on their
signal to merge in to a lane, despite having space to freely do so cars in the
other lane would speed up to prevent this from happening; near collisions in
parking lots as cars inched closer to be the first to enter a smaller parking
lot so they could be up front to pick up their child; a couple dressed in
work-out clothes parked on-top of broken glass in front of the gym so they
could be in front. “We got a close spot the female,” exclaimed as she opened
her door. Isn’t the purpose of going to the gym to acquire exercise? Would
having to walk a few steps further have made that much of a difference? Individuals
refusing to let others turn in to a lane and in doing so planting a stoic look
on their face as they faced forward pretending they didn’t see the other person
attempting to get out. Why? In looking at others, we often see ourselves and sometimes
realize “I have done that before.”

The memories of this challenge traveled with me on a
recent trip to Arkansas and Texas. While riding down Interstate 84 traffic
slowed to a pace that allowed me to take in my surroundings. Green crisp grass,
trees of varied heights swaying, rain gently misting the window, the overcast sky,
and as I glanced from side to side taking in all that was visible I smiled
because I was fulfilling my goal of slowing my pace. I was appreciating the day,
and thankful since this was a rare time- I was not the driver.

 Suddenly, I saw a
horrific scene. Two 18-wheelers had collided. Both were greatly crushed,
flipped on their sides coming to rest in the grass, glass askew and numerous UPS
parcels were scattered about on the side of the road. I had never seen anything
like this and silently prayed the drivers had survived. Either way, I realized
someone would not be reaching their destination at their planned time. Friends
and family would be receiving frightening telephone calls.

I never forgot this scene during the remainder of my trip
and I never will. This picture reminded me that though we are often encouraged
to work hard, be first, reach for and grab the number one spot in life that is
not always what is most important. The true goal that we sometimes forget is
sometimes the best spot is to just be and never forgetting to appreciate it.