I was on my way to run an errand when I hit a snag a few miles in.

Traffic had ground to a stop before the highway, and cars were backing up fast. I was able to work my way to the turn lane and go right instead of left avoiding the entire thing. As I looped around I congratulated myself on my clever work around; astounded by the hundreds of cars at a standstill for miles and miles and miles.

I silently cursed these drivers figuring they were backed up waiting for the light, headed over the causeway to the beach.

In a pandemic.

I was irritated that their need for sand and surf was inconveniencing my need for milk and eggs. I was secretly glad that they were all being made to wait while I had figured out another route.

Fast forward to an hour later.

I arrived home to find a Breaking News alert on my phone reporting on a fatal accident that had occurred on the causeway.

The cause of the back up.

I felt my cheeks burn remembering my irritation at the inconvenient possibility that I would have to sit in traffic and wait my turn.

I realized how wrong I had been in my assumption as to why traffic was so backed up.

I realized that those involved in this horrible accident would have gladly traded places with me and waited happily in a long line of slow moving cars rather than face the reality in which they found themselves.

It is a reminder to take things slow.
To appreciate where you are.
Not to jump to conclusions, or be in a rush to judgement.

It is a reminder to cherish every moment.

To keep everything in perspective.