A Strange And Unsettling Day
Most of the day yesterday passed by without anything seeming to be out of the ordinary.
It was only after I got off work that things got kind of strange...
First of all, I headed for the bank, which is usually a trip of no more than 5-10 minutes. The trouble was, there had been a 5-car pile-up on my usual route, and the southbound lane was completely closed off to make room for helicopters from Bayfront Medical Center. I was going north, but traffic was backed up, bumper-to-bumper, for several miles, and there was no way to get out of or around the traffic jam.
Cops were everywhere, helping to direct traffic, but even with their assistance, it took me nearly an hour to get to the bank. I got there just 4 minutes before they locked the doors!
Gawkers never make things go any faster, either. My advice would be: You've seen accidents before, just keep your eyes on the road in front of you, and let the medical personnel do their job.
A quick prayer for those involved in the accident probably wouldn't hurt, either.
After finishing up my business at the bank, I went to Grandma Sally's Restaurant for an egg salad sandwich and a bowl of chicken soup. (Note: The author of this Blog is not affiliated with Grandma Sally's Restaurant, nor does he derive any income from the egg or chicken lobbies.)
As I was about to leave the restaurant, someone shouted "Fire," and, indeed, everyone eating dinner could look through the restaurant's big front window and see thick, black smoke billowing into the sky, from not too far away!
I paid my bill and set off to see what was burning, as it was within about a half mile of my house. I had only to take my regular route home to see that a two-story house was nearly consumed in flames. The fire department was already on the scene. I felt bad for whoever lost their home.
Later that night, I felt even worse, when I learned on the news that the homeowner had perished in the fire.
It all put me in mind of the importance of perspective in all situations. The traffic jam was an inconvenience to me, but to those involved in the accident, it may well have been something life-altering.
Likewise, the house fire, which became a sixty second sound bite on the evening news, but for the person trapped in their home, with flames burning all around them, it was a terrible tragedy.
I am humbled by the empathy I feel for the individuals involved in these situations, and, at the same time, the gratitude I have that it was not me in the accident, or my house that burned down, taking me with it.
Keep things in perspective, the next time you're grumbling about your business or your life. Things could always be worse, and every day we have is a blessing.
Be glad you have a car, a home, or a cup, whether it's half-full or half-empty.
Recent Comments
52
Whew...what a day! The old saying about "walking in someone else's shoes" before judging could apply here. We just never realized how much we have to be grateful for until we realize what others go through. I'm glad you made it home safe with a good perspective for yourself. Prayers go out to all people who might not have made it home yesterday....worldwide.
Debbie
I hear you, Debbie. There's a lot happening in the world every day-good and bad. If we get through, we're fortunate, and should be grateful. :)
I am trying to gain my composure again after reading about this heart-wrenching day of yours.There is always someone who would trade places with you in a heartbeat. Live humbly and be thankful that by the Grace of God you are who you are and live the life you do. Great post!
Erin
Thanks for this Rick and I can see how you were unsettled by it all yesterday. I really felt for the poor person who perished in the house fire, that is so sad. I hope that the people involved in the car pile up were not too seriously hurt and I agree with you about the onlookers. They really should be paying attention to the road or they could land up causing another accident.
You are right Rick, we should always be thankful for what we do have as things could be a lot worse. xxxx
You said it, Cheryl. Nurturing an attitude of gratefulness every day is a good thing to do. :)
Great perspective, Rick. I'm reminded of a poem my dad had framed in the stairway to our basement when I was a kid:
One day as I sat musing, sad and lonely
pining for things that might have been...
A voice came to me from out of the gloom
saying "Cheer up, things could be worse"
So I cheered up and sure enough
Things got worse
For me the bottom line is - how ever rough it gets, it will be easier if we somehow find a way to laugh it off...
Hope you hang on to that cup
Steve
Thanks, Steve. I like the poem. Remember the old one about "I felt bad for having no shoes, until I met a man with no feet?"
Wonderful advice Rick,
being grateful for what we have instead of bitter for what we don't have is the key to success.
Thank you very much for the reminder my Friend,
Tony
Hi Rick, so glad to hear you're back! You certainly had a challenging day, glad you (and your cup) are safe and flourishing. I have never understood the 'gawkers' at these sad situations, I usually manage a prayer for those involved... and a 'there but for the grace...' Hope the rest of your week goes calmly and smoothly! Take care, Sue :)
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Good evening Rick,
Days like that are a good reminder to be thankful for the life one has.
Greetings from the south of Sapin, Taetske
HI Taetske. I try to be grateful each day. :)