WAY TO GO!

How fast we get to our destination depends on how well we take directions. Easy? Nope!

On my way to answer an emergency medical call, I was detoured to another direction due to a marathon around the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) complex early Sunday morning.

I thought the new route will be longer and slower. I have a good deed to do and circumstances make it harder for me to carry it out. First lesson: doing something good does not promise ease in completing it. I didn’t think of returning home because of the difficulty. I have to see the patient. When we know exactly what to do (something good I mean) we have to persist, no matter the odds.. Or detours. Now, getting there is another thing.

I knew the proper way to get to my destination. Head towards Taft avenue, make two left turns and I’ll be right at the hospital. But it was a longer path. So probably a third or fourth of the way, by the time I get to Roxas boulevard, I saw an opening in the barrier that prevented vehicles from turning left; I crossed it. Two cars also turned left anyway. I guess I convinced myself it’s probably allowed on a Sunday. I expected easier and faster movement of cars. But on the contrary, I was met with heavier traffic a few meters after. Lesson two: Barriers are made for a purpose. Maybe not to avoid heavy traffic at the moment, but for safety and better directions. If not, just for our character, humility and patience at least. It’s good to follow the rules; unless of course, it’s a life and death situation or a question of morality.

I needed to find a faster way and saw a car turn right towards a small street. Not willing to wait in the traffic, I followed the car which hit the pavement while turning. I realized I might fall into the same “trap” but convinced myself I’m a better driver and can maneuver that difficult curve. Lesson three: We can probably maneuver ourselves better than others in a difficult situation; but (it’s still the wrong way Ninang?) it’s still a situation we should not get ourselves into– there’s heavier traffic (!!). I had to ultimately go back where I started during the detour!

Now it’s time to try my charm and “good samaritan” excuse. “Sir, you have to let me pass. Please, please, please. It’s an emergency!!” The officer tried to give me directions away from the conventional route I was used to (No detour please!).   I didn’t listen well. I didn’t heed to the recommended change. Lesson Four: Take the recommended change even if it is beyond your comfort zone (At least listen and consider!). The officer allowed me to pass (yes! Finally! Am I charming or what?) but I was warned that the road may be blocked at the (thanks!!)..end. I didn’t listen.  Almost there.. just a little more.. almost! Roadblock! We (with other cars)  were asked to take a U-turn! (No!!!)  I was back to the start of the detour.

In other words, I reached my destination by following the right way I should have taken in the first place but didn’t (thrice Ninang!). It was the change of route recommended by the officer. It was the route I thought will take longer and be more difficult, but had, surprisingly, brought me to my destination faster and easier.

I can’t discount the fact that the “roadblocks”, humbling and “painful” as they may be, also served a purpose in compelling me to come to terms with following the rules (learning by experience Ninang!).  But this is the fifth Lesson I learned: ignoring rules and people who can direct our paths may still lead us to our destination, but it’s going to be longer, more difficult, probably painful. And in the end, what ultimately get’s us there, is remembering (and following Ninang!) the Right (and lawful!) direction– not our short-cuts or “abilidad”, charm, or sense of urgency.. and certainly not impatience.  But  trust to follow what is right.  And Faith–that a sovereign God  will bring us where we should be as we follow Him.. even in detours and heavy traffic.  (God’s way to go Ninang!)

– Ninang thoughts amidst heavy traffic of concerns

“.. I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – Jesus, our Lord and Savior, in John 14:6

“Come, follow me, Jesus said, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Mark 1:17)

“I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.” (Psalms 27:13-14)