January 3, 2026
Vroommmmm… Little Miss NASCAR flew into her spot as though it was pitstop. Whizzing diagonally through the parking lot at nearly 40 MPH, she had no problem cutting us (or anybody else) off. Obviously, she was in hurry to get to the store; but for Pete’s sake, we were at Ulta. What was the rush?
It seems that these days everyone’s in a rush. Now I get it, not everyone’s in a such a hurry that they have zero regard for anybody but themselves. But that said, I must be becoming a fuddy-duddy, because the older I get, the more I long for days long past when our society moved more slowly. Am I the only one?
In 1986, I learned a hard lesson when it comes to safe driving, most notably in parking lots. It was summer, and I’d just got off work at our local McDonalds. My buddy Pete and I opened up most weekdays then worked the drive-thru during lunch. The lunch rush over, we’d punch out and go home. That day was no different, until I walked out the door.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw a school bus parked in the lot, and I hadn’t seen any school kids in the lobby just yet. Safely inside our tiny Tercel, I backed the car out and put her in 1st gear. With my foot hovering over the accelerator, I let the car idle as I rounded the corner to get to the street; and that’s when it happened. A little girl ran off the bus and right into my car. Needless to say, that day changed both our lives.
From that day forward, I’ve always been cautious in parking lots, perhaps a bit too much. That summer day is always there in the back of my mind, telling me to take it easy. I never want a repeat of that fateful day. Perhaps it’s for these reasons that I enjoy the peaceful streets of small-town USA.
The only thing that causes me anxiousness in my car in my tiny town is one intersection where the blind spot gives me pause. But because even here a handful of people are in a rush (even here), I’ve learned to avoid that intersection and take the easier route. Here on our roads where most take it slow, the peaceful life abounds.
Over and again, I thank the Lord for bringing us here to this tiny town. I think he knew way back when that big city living was wearing us down. For those who like urban living, kudos to you; but if you only knew the joys that the peaceful streets of rural living brings.
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the peace that you give. As we all go about our lives, help all who’re reading this blog find a measure of peace on a peaceful street somewhere in their town.