Imaginery Shortcuts

My office at church is graced with a wall of windows. While a bit distracting, I see anyone driving into the parking lot when I sit at my desk. It can be a nice preview of who is stopping by for a project or gathering. I can also peg the shortcutters instantly. Resurrection is at the intersection of two busy thoroughfares and especially over the dinner hour, impatient drivers regularly try to avoid the wait at the stop sign by driving into our parking lot. They imagine a shortcut where there is none. Once they get there, they see there is no outlet and not only do they have to sit through the long wait at the intersection, but now they'll be further back in line. Irritation seems to rise off their car like steam as they speed back to the line they tried to skip. The pattern is a funny glimpse into human nature - and makes me think of the many ways I try to take shortcuts in life. A good reminder that with most of life . . . parenting, earning a living, building a ministry, relationships, EXERCISE . . . you've just got to go through the intersection. I laugh while the shortcutters fume.  Wonder who's laughing when I'm fuming. Good to see yourself in life's mirror once in awhile.