Always in a Hurry...

Why are people always in such a rush?

I'm wondering if this is generational thing or the nature of human beings. I think I'm leaning more toward the generational idea. In a world of smart phones, internet, and microwavable dinners it's almost unavoidable for it to become part of our nature or atleast our expectations and assumptions. We want the "all American dream" and we want it right now. Nevermind that it took our parents years to accumulate what they have now, we want the house, the car, the vacations, the extravagant camper but we want it all in the next five years. Five years...I think that's pretty much the extent of our patience if we're lucky.

So what brought on this little rant of mine? Drivers that are in a hurry.

Yesterday I had two experiences with these type of drivers. First, on my way home from the bank. I was coming up to the line that was formulating at the four-way stop when this car starts squeezing past all of us on the right shoulder to get to the front so they could turn right. He/She narrowly missed sideswiping all of our cars because they couldn't wait the extra two minutes in the line. And please don't get me started on people who go out of turn at four-way stops. Second, I was walking through the parking lot at Superstore after being at the gym and a car stopped for me to cross. As I politely wave thank you and start to cross, another car comes speeding around from behind the other because he didn't want to wait not realizing the car ahead of it had stopped for a pedestrian. Luckily he still had enough time to stop.

Now I will admit that on more than one occasion I have been one of these drivers in a hurry. But for all of you who have heard the story of my accident will now that I have since learned my lesson. I was on 16th Ave on my way to return an item at Bed, Bath, and Beyond before the institute fireside started. I was in a rush to get there so I wouldn't be late. Not wanting to wait for all the traffic and lights on 16th Ave I decided to take 18th Ave. I was going the speed limit but I'll admit I wasn't driving as carefully as I should have. Whether it was my lack of attention or the sign not being visible but I completely ran through the Stop sign without seeing it and hitting the back bumper of the Nissan Versa crossing through. My dad has always taught me that it's better to arrive safely and late. I now have firsthand experience with that.

Why do we have so much trouble waiting? Why do we feel entitlement to have what we want right now without the much needed work? What unnecessary hardships are we placing on ourselves because we are unwilling to wait? What great opportunities or blessings could we be missing out on?