There is this
one speed bump I used to miss every time I drove my daughter to and from
college. I swear it blends in and it is
only after the jolt of going over it and landing that I realized it was
there. And, each time after the jolt I
get “the look” from my wife. So, I
resolve to make sure I remember it the next time. I have gotten better. There are other speed bumps that I know are
here or there and I purposefully go slower and take my time. It takes time, but the ride ends up being
jolt free.
Hurdles, on the
other hand, take a lot more skill to deal with.
I’m rather short and I never, ever was a track guy, but I admire those
whose event was hurdles. They move so
quickly, so gracefully. And, at full
speed! They lean in, hunch down and
seemingly without effort, fly over each one, only to continue the sprint to the
finish line. Even those who don’t manage
to go over cleanly regain their stride and hit the next one and continue on as
if nothing happened. There is a certain
artistry and grace involved, certainly confidence and coordination. And, unlike speed bumps, hurdles are best
taken at full stride and full speed. If
you break stride, well, you could end up wrapped around the hurdle rather
uncomfortably.
Speed Bumps and
Hurdles.
Two different obstacles,
used for two different purposes. Both
deliberate and placed with design.
One, the Speed
Bump, forces us to slow down, take our time, proceed with caution. It is used for safety. The other, Hurdles, are best taken at full
speed without slowing down or breaking stride.
If we go too quickly over Speed Bumps, or if we go too slowly over
Hurdles, we have unintended and unfortunate consequences. Possibly painful ones.
There are times for
moving slowly through life. Taking our
time. Taking stock in our
surroundings. Surveying what is around
us. Being aware of what lies ahead. There are times when we push on ahead at full
speed. Moving quickly without breaking
stride. Not knowing when to do what has
consequences that are not necessarily beneficial to us, and perhaps, not
beneficial to those around us.
It’s best to
learn before we set out on our journey . . . in life . . . where the Speed
Bumps are and what Hurdles might be in our path. Children, loved ones, a beautiful sunrise or
sunset, a beautiful work of art or piece of music, a fine dinner: Speed
Bumps. Slow down, take your time and
enjoy. The report that’s due, the visit
to the doctor’s office, paying the bills: Hurdles. Get to them and over quickly. Don’t even bother slowing down. Get them over with and move on to the finish
line.
The ability to
distinguish one from the other, important, I think. Something to think about . . .
Live Your Life,
and Make A Difference!
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Thank you for your comment. I welcome your thought. Joe