I want to begin this post by saying, this is not a picture of my car.
But I do want to say something about being aware of people, situations, vehicles and various other things.
Having been married to an over-the-road truck driver for nearly 40 years, I learned about 'defensive driving.' It is a great thing and has kept me accident free since I received my license when I was 17 and that was a few years ago. (With the exception of one accident when I was hit by someone who was sliding on the ice and I had nowhere to go to take evasive action.)
I am not a slow, pokey 'little old lady driver' but I am always aware of the other drivers on the road. If I am unable to stop in time and enter an intersection on a yellow caution light, I am aware of the vehicles to my right and left who might be ready to jump the green light. I know who is changing lanes constantly and who is going to try to cut me off at the next light. I know how fast someone is approaching from the rear and if the semi needs a little more space to move back into my lane.
Having pontificated about my great driving skills, I want you to know I think being aware of your surroundings is a lost art. I don't know if it is due to everyone being on cell phones or the "I own the road' mentality.
Last weekend, after the big storm, there was a tree across the street I live on; at the end of the block; making it impossible to get through.
But I do want to say something about being aware of people, situations, vehicles and various other things.
Having been married to an over-the-road truck driver for nearly 40 years, I learned about 'defensive driving.' It is a great thing and has kept me accident free since I received my license when I was 17 and that was a few years ago. (With the exception of one accident when I was hit by someone who was sliding on the ice and I had nowhere to go to take evasive action.)
I am not a slow, pokey 'little old lady driver' but I am always aware of the other drivers on the road. If I am unable to stop in time and enter an intersection on a yellow caution light, I am aware of the vehicles to my right and left who might be ready to jump the green light. I know who is changing lanes constantly and who is going to try to cut me off at the next light. I know how fast someone is approaching from the rear and if the semi needs a little more space to move back into my lane.
Having pontificated about my great driving skills, I want you to know I think being aware of your surroundings is a lost art. I don't know if it is due to everyone being on cell phones or the "I own the road' mentality.
Last weekend, after the big storm, there was a tree across the street I live on; at the end of the block; making it impossible to get through.
My daughter and I sat on the front porch and watched at least a dozen drivers come down the street, reach the tree and THEN put it in reverse and back up to the alley or all the way to the previous cross street. I ask myself, 'How in the world can they not see that tree across the road from a block away?' I don't have the answer.
Now, we come to people situations: how many times do we see a person standing alone in a crowded area, such as a church lobby or a meeting room or at a table in a restaurant? I am not advocating joining them and possibly disturbing their meal; but rather, a simple nod, smile, hello; some acknowledgement would be showing I am at least aware of their presence.
I recently attended a writer's lunch and short seminar. I went with a friend so I knew her, at least. There weren't too many people there, but the attendees came from all over the state and most did not know each other. There were 5 of us at our table with 2 empty chairs. Across from us, at another table, was a woman sitting alone. Did one of us ask her to join us at our table? No, we did not. However, the facilitator asked her if she would like to join us.
A young woman I know recently said she felt totally invisible in a large group of people at a church picnic. Some would prefer to be invisible but some would at least like to know they are seen and welcomed.
If most of the population is unaware of a huge tree limb blocking their path, is it a surprise they do not see the sad, lonesome, alone individual God has put in their path?
Drive more defensively (you get better insurance discounts) and live more 'intentionally.'
Now, we come to people situations: how many times do we see a person standing alone in a crowded area, such as a church lobby or a meeting room or at a table in a restaurant? I am not advocating joining them and possibly disturbing their meal; but rather, a simple nod, smile, hello; some acknowledgement would be showing I am at least aware of their presence.
I recently attended a writer's lunch and short seminar. I went with a friend so I knew her, at least. There weren't too many people there, but the attendees came from all over the state and most did not know each other. There were 5 of us at our table with 2 empty chairs. Across from us, at another table, was a woman sitting alone. Did one of us ask her to join us at our table? No, we did not. However, the facilitator asked her if she would like to join us.
A young woman I know recently said she felt totally invisible in a large group of people at a church picnic. Some would prefer to be invisible but some would at least like to know they are seen and welcomed.
If most of the population is unaware of a huge tree limb blocking their path, is it a surprise they do not see the sad, lonesome, alone individual God has put in their path?
Drive more defensively (you get better insurance discounts) and live more 'intentionally.'
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