After 54 days outside of So Cal, I had gotten used to different types of
driving. True, most of my time was spent in the back seat of a rented Toyota,
due to my surgery, but we still experienced a strange phenomena-courtesy!
People would wave you to go first. Very few cell phone ingrates-although one is
too many, and turn signals used when turning. Which as we got closer to So Cal
evaporated-the true line of demarcation was Barstow. Could Barstow really be
the edge of civilization? Sadly now that I am back almost two weeks, I have
gotten used to California's driving habits, and will probably revert to some
myself.
Some of the unique California habits are found on the freeway, where some
mindless twit will be going 45-50, while texting. In the fast lane. And if you
honk, still has the manual dexterity to show you who is number one. I saw a
shirt I would like to wear while riding, just to get their attention, "honk if
you have never seen a gun fired from a motorcycle!" Sadly they might not get
it, the words are spelled correctly, not txts. Another habit is driving for
miles with your turn signal on, impeding traffic is all other lanes who wish to
pass, but aren't sure when or if you are going to turn. Almost a guarantee, go
to pass, this yuck will cut you off-never looking up. Which goes along with the
unwritten law about turn signals-when used they mean look out, I am about to
turn without looking. It is like just the signal makes them invincible, but not
invisible. Again, honk to be reminded of who is #1!
The old joke about no one walking in California is personified in parking
lots. I watch as cars circle the lots looking for a space closer to the store.
Maybe the extra 20 feet of walking will adversely affect those in their $150
walking shoes. And then worse, if they spot someone who may be leaving, will
position themselves in the middle of the lane, and block traffic both ways while
waiting. Usually while a better space becomes available, which now no one can
get to. Which answers the age old question, how do you blind a soccer mom? Put
a windshield in front of her! And the true test of determining where
you learned to drive-waiting until the last minute to apply the brakes. Both
rude, stupid, and hard on the brakes. Did none of these anticipate stopping?
Not if a parking space opens up! I guess you have to protect that last part of
what is "your" road. Finally, for you brave ones, look in your rear view
mirror. Drafting works in NASCAR, no reason anyone should cling to your rear
bumper, particularly those under the influence of kids. Who bought the safest
mini-van to protect them. We can build better cars-can we improve upon the
driver?
Sadly we all drive according to our own rules. I blame the DMV-somebody
had to pass these idiots! And to me it has helped society erode whatever
evidence of goodness and kindness we have left. Thankfully God hasn't
forgotten, who is good and kind, but today it is so rare we seem to only see it
via miracles. But that also gives us more time to see God's love. We decided
to drive back from Albuquerque, and were OK with the $250 drop off fee-still
cheaper than flying, even when figuring gas, food, and motels. But upon
arrival, the decided to waive the fee, as a kindness due to our
situation-without asking! And we were to see this kindness repeated over and
over, from restaurants to bike shops. We were shown to what to us were unusual
kindnesses-maybe an example we can learn from. Blessing someone-and remembering
that when we do, that we are blessed more. A Biblical principal lost in our
"all about world." If you want a blessing, bless someone.
It is OK to hold a door for others. To let someone with a few items in
front of you in line. To give up that precious parking space-even cancelling
your turn signal would be a blessing. And if these things are too hard for your
all important daily routine, just try smiling. It can light up a dark room-and
at the least make them wonder what you are up to. Then tell them how God has
blessed you-even a smile can show the love of God.
So don't delay. Back in 1955, James Dean, the coolest before Steve McQueen
arrived-both Triumph riders, made a Public Service Ad about traffic safety.
"Drive safe-the life you safe may be my own," he said. Prophetically he died
before it aired, when a car turned in front of him. In where, you guessed it,
California.
Trust Jesus today, the life He saves may be your own. Pray for the one who
cuts you off, or annoys you. If God can change a heart like yours, imagine what
He can do for someone not as fortunate as you! Now that's a miracle!
Kindness and goodness-the fruit of the spirit!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com