On Your Left

As I age, I am increasingly frustrated by people who seem to lack any spatial awareness. Whether it’s the airport, the grocery store, or the walking trail near my house, I refuse to be one of those guys who yell “On your left,” but secretly, I want to be one of those people. I want to help rescue folks who don’t realize they are obviously in the way of those like me who have somewhere to be.

Once, as I zigged and zagged through a crowd, yanking my youngest along with me, she begged me to stop for a break. “Dad, how late are we?” she asked with concern. Confused, I clarified that we had plenty of time. “Well then, why is it so important we get ahead of everyone else?” Like any great parent lacking a good answer I promised her candy when we got home.

Later, as I took a stroll on the neighborhood trail, I caught myself as I accelerated to pass the walkers in front of me. I wondered how my need to get ahead of people might be causing more problems than just exhausting my 9-year-old. Whether I’m always passing on the left or causing a traffic jam with my pauses, where is my pace based? Does it come from a need the moment requires or simply a selfish desire? Am I aware — and do I care enough about others — to slow down, speed up, or move over so someone else can get to their destination before me? In my walk of faith, am I simply navigating around challenges and passing blessings, or do I try to discern if the Lord is inviting me to step on the gas or stop and smell the roses?

As an aggressive biker yelled that he was on my left, I didn’t love feeling like I was in someone’s way. As we walk or run into this new week, let’s make sure that even if we need to pass someone, we do so recognizing He moves with all of us and in all of us.