A couple of weeks ago, I was bird-dogging (for new readers, that’s making sales cold calls) in downtown Portland on a series of complicated one-way streets. Pulling out of a parking lot, I glanced to my right. Yes, traffic in the far lanes was heading left. But, turning left into the closest lane, I suddenly met up with cars bearing down on me.
Hare in the headlights moment. Turns out it was a two-way street. Oops.
Traffic literally came to screeching halt. Several honking horns and gnarly faces later, I sheepishly pulled into the right lane.
“’Ello, gov’na! Jolly fine mornin’, eh what?” I mumbled in my best British accent, and then bit my lower lip.
Life lesson?
- On the most distracted days, we all make bad mistakes.
- In the middle of our loopy mistakes, God often steps in to protect us.
- When God steps in, sometimes there’s noise and a bit of shouting.
- If you look close enough, hidden inside the noise and shouting is peace and calm in a safe place – the presence of God.
- Be different than Lynn. Look both ways before crossing the street.
What’s the most foolish mistake you’ve made recently? Where was your safe place in it?
jane West On December 12, 2012 at 7:38 pm
I did the SAME thing recently. Going from Washington Street (one-way East) to Stark Street (one-way West). I turned off Washington the one block to get to Stark, and it was a ONE-WAY street! I was in the left lane, and like you, OOPS, I sort of “snuck” down the short block and turned left around the corner onto Stark. People waited, shaking their heads. I think I was even shaking mine. A friend was in the car and she laughed.It could have been bad if there’d been a whole lot of traffic and angry drivers; but God covered my blunder… and I won’t do that again! Thanks for the reminder, Lynn. My lesson was, look everywhere for signals.
Lynn Hare On December 13, 2012 at 7:19 pm
Jane – love the life lesson ~ look everywhere for signals. That’s powerful!