Wait Until The Light Changes

Traffic. For as far as the eyes could see, the amber colored taillights of the cars were the stars of the show. They participated in a coordinated dance, and this mid-day traffic jam was their stage. Some lights bowed out while others would excitedly jump on. This liaise looked almost rehearsed. But, wait until the light changes.

One up, and another down. Yes, just like dancers. But it was more like seasoned old generals generously passing out commands. Each one of the crimson captains of lights had its own set of orders and commands to give. And the metal machines they commanded were all too eager to obey.

Some cars with a feverish haste darted one way. And the loud piercing screech of steel belted tires wailed against the black pavement behind them. The smell of white exhaust from their cars filled the smoky air. And still others moved sluggishly in opposite directions. Just wait until the light changes.

The slow steady movement of each car was exhausting and draining. Horns blasted and sounded. You could almost hear them repeating the obscenities of their authors. I can’t wait until the light changes!

Bumper to bumper each car packed the roads like smelly fish in a can. The cars were so close, that drivers in one car without much effort could easily peer over and see brightly colored yellow sandwich wrappers of the drivers next to them. Every car waited for its chance to move.

A few took opportunities to cut in front of others. One driver smashed into another. The sound of the metal on metal collision is unforgettable. The shrieking metal violently rubbing against another in that fashioned like nails against a chalkboard. So, wait until the light changes.

Every day and five days a week this dance gets done. Each car patiently waiting for the light to change. And the cars commanded by frustrated and often tired drivers move steadily along.

Life isn't so dissimilar from traffic jams. There are all types of drivers on the road. Life will place you in different situations. Sometimes you will find yourself at the front of the line, and other times you may be bringing up the rear. Maybe all we need is to find our lane be patient and watch the light. Getting ahead doesn’t have to mean who can go the fastest. Maybe it's all about who is willing to see things play out. If you don’t become impatient you can find yourself progressing towards the front of the line.

There will be delays and hold ups. There will be days you may feel stuck while making little progress waiting for that light to change. Everyone will have their chance at the front of the line. All of us will have our chance to pull ahead.

Don’t get in a rush, just wait until the light changes. Some people will be impatient. So, it’s important that we don’t become distracted and that we keep our eyes on the road.

Yeah, others will be at the front of the lines. They will get their chances before you. Staying in line guarantees you will have a turn also. Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes in front of you because you just might be next. Because there are no shortcuts, and cutting line is not allowed. Because when we do there is an inevitable crash. So, remain in line stay ready, and for heaven’s sake stay calm. And as soon as your light changes, press the gas and GO!