"Speedy"
One day I was feeling exceptionally slow. To be truthful, it was more than a feeling. I was speeding (shuffling) my way out to the car for an important errand that just couldn't wait any longer. In complete exasperation I looked down at my feet ready to give them a piece of my mind, when I saw Speedy. Ok, it's time for another truth. I almost crunchified poor Speedy.
For some reason I had flashes of the Disney King Arthur cartoon. You know the one... Merlin is teaching young Arthur important life lessons by showing him different animals and seeing the world through they're eyes. Taking advice from old Merlin, I decided to give Speedy the right of way. I would like to say that my decision was based on the same beliefs Merlin had but (wait for it.... here's another truth) I think I was just tired of sprinting around and decided it was time for a break. So... I asked Speedy if he had time to chat for awhile and he said "Sure, I'm in no hurry. Are you?".
We covered quite a bit in our short encounter. He was kind of a quiet fellow. He was patient with me as my words came out slow. He didn't try to finish my sentences. Instead he listened with intent.
I studied Speedy, the pure fluidity of his movements. I asked Speedy what his secret was to moving so freely without a care in the world. He responded, " I may be slow, but I'm ahead of you". He laughed hysterically.
Slow is a relative concept. Meaning, what is slow for one, may not be slow for another. In our hustle and bustle lives we are used to being given a number, and called when our sandwich is ready. Have we ever met the person making our sandwich? Do we know that Jack at the counter is thankful to have a job? Everything we do is designed around speed. How fast can we google the answer and present it while making everyone think how smart we are. How fast can we get to work? Once there, how fast can we get home? How fast can we make dinner just so we can hurry up to relax! Did you read that last part? ...hurry up to relax". That is ridiculous.
Why are we in such a hurry? Do we feel rushed at the counter because the person behind us is in a hurry? I hate peer pressure!
I liked Speedy's point of view. "I'm slow for you sometimes, but not slow to myself". Who would have though such pearls of wisdom could come from a chance encounter on the sidewalk?
I asked Speedy if I could take his picture for my blog. He said, " Sure, I'm in no hurry. Are you?" After saying goodbye to Speedy, I decided I should get on with my important errand. I rose to my feet and found myself walking a bit better. I guess I just needed to take a little time.
I got in my car, rolled down the windows and drove for half an hour around the park, up this street and down the next. Finally I arrived at my destination, the gas station two miles away. I was craving a cherry Pepsi. Like I said at the beginning, it was an important errand. I felt good, peaceful, and more relaxed. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror as I was unfastening my seat belt. I needed a double take. I looked back in the mirror and saw a face less stressed with a smile on it.
I looked at the face and said, "I'm in no hurry. Are you?"
Are you?
