I was busy but I still took a double look. In the midst of cars move left and right and my need to to move across three lanes in the near future to hit my exit, I could see something unusual and gorgeous. I tried to look while staying safe. I accelerated through the lanes but the close but still too far away sightings only served to increase my thirst to see it up close. I maneuvered to the left and then to the right. Nothing worked. In the end, everything came down to a choice to getting to my destination on time or chasing a beautiful car so that I could see it up close.
I took the exit and headed to my appointment.
I still wonder what I missed. In a city with relatively few car choices, sighting something that is unfamiliar is a rare experience. We have our fair share of exotics, family cars, and the occasional pick-up. Whatever the sighting was, it was unlike anything I have seen before or since. As I wonder and let my mind wander, I can hear Life reminding me of the following.
Beauty is compellingly attractive. I wanted to see and know what this car was. If I was to try and describe my reaction to another, paraphrasing an old psalm would be a good start! “The mountains take one look at God and melt, melt like wax before earth’s Lord.” (Psalm 97.5) Even now, in the days and weeks that have past, I still remember and wonder.
Choices are not always black and white. Many choices are ok with themselves however there is a price to be paid if one decides on the left versus the right. Principals, priorities, and ideals can guide, however there are no guarantees that second-guessing will not follow! I still wonder if the better choice was to go straight and chase the car down.
Learning does not mean that one never wrestles with sadness. Time will soothe this wound, especially since it is a minor footnote in the greater story.