Wheels turn fast these days- spinning and screeching in place- making skid marks. Leaving reminders that we gave it our all. These grooves in the pavement- spurts of growth, progress. Then just as sudden as the spin, a movement lurches us forward. As if we have been pent up with such a force of surrender. Release of the brake, speed begets acceleration and the distance is instant. WE can't even see where we started, only the last turn ahead- so we have to slow momentarily and brace.
Our brains have been so exhausted: fear of contagion, planning for every contingency. We combine, separate and align- we are constantly rearranging the tiles in a giant mosaic of expectation. Spirits no longer neon flashing attractors, but mud covered signs of highway traffic flow. We are just now settling into the deluge of surface water and road work. We are just now, hands on the wheel, adjusting our speed to the normalcy of the highway.
Those yellow bumps down the middle, nudging us into our lane. Keeping us safe as we continue our transcontinental haul. We have been pounded by hail, slammed by hurricane force winds- windshield wipers on high, we have barely seen the landscape. And what a landscape to behold. All we have been able to do, eyes forward, hands clenched in complete concentration and focus- is teach, parent, guide and stay in control of our vehicle, of our vessel, of our automobile.
The grind has not stopped, but the screech has. The wheels have not stopped their spin and speed, but our hands, for the first time in years, have loosened their grip on the steering wheel, giving us a moment to stretch our fingers and remove our driving gloves. We are free, to take a deep breath, as we continue our road trip through these tumultuous times. We must keep moving forward, we must remain vigilant- for we do not know how traffic will change or whose vehicle may swerve.
The glory is not a destination. It is the fortitude and gratitude. It is humility and forgiveness. It is unity and empathy. Compassion and growth. It is finding common ground and sturdy concrete and foundational asphalt so more highways can be laid. So more streets, like capillaries can connect us as humans. More medians and center divides for us to pause within- to change a tire.
This road is a long one. Our travels are just beginning. So load up on snacks and provisions. Get the climate of the car just right. Seat belts on, radio low with some excellent tunes. Then look at a map- do not let the GPS of old guide you in isolation.
Choose the paper, folded, legend bound map of experience guide you. Let the memory of speed bumps, traffic accidents and weather precautions slow your speed. Let your mind find common ground. Let the well kept side roads, lead you to conversations- give you opportunities tp ask where the nearest this or that is, from a local. Get you out of your car to step on new land, walk into new stores of convenience and witness the glory of something new.
See beyond the dashboard and get out of your car and mingle like a tourist.
Get comfortable like a resident of the human population.
We are in this together. All of us.
We laid this road, added these billboards and guide signs, we created the music for our souls, we designed these vehicles that protect and transport. We are engineers and volunteers. We are educators and learners. We are believers and transformers. Together we will create a bigger map, full of destinations at this time unknown- but soon, will bridge the dots, connect the highways and align into new ways of thinking and better ways to communicate.
Grind to glory- windows down, the breeze is the whisper of the future- just listen, it has an exciting story to tell.
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