Speed Bumps

I love our high school.

But every time I'm there, the speed bumps in the parking lot drive me a little crazy.

I understand why they are needed, but do there really have to be so many?

It feels like I just barely get my foot back on the gas when there's another one.

Stop. Start. Stop.

Crawl at a snail's pace over these things until finally pulling into a parking space.

It's maddening.

Speed bumps serve a purpose, though.

Not only in parking lots. But also in life.

They force us to slow down.

To take our foot off the gas for a little bit.

To focus and look around us and be aware of what's happening in the current moment.

Without them, we'd probably race through life and miss a lot of the important stuff.

I believe that speed bumps show up right when we need them.

A train comes through and we are forced to stop as we are racing to or from work, giving our brains a few minutes to think.

The internet goes out and we are forced to pause and disconnect, maybe even get outside for a walk.

Something comes up and cancels plans and we are forced to take the night off and just relax.

A million little disruptions in life that are meant to slow us down when things are moving too fast.

It's been a busy few decades here for sure. And I've hit my share of speed bumps.

Both literal and figurative ones.

But now, more than ever, I'm taking the time to pause and reflect on this perfectly imperfect journey.

In just a few short months, I'll be at that high school watching my youngest son graduate, and trying to keep my composure.

And this era of our lives will end.

There will be so much that I miss!

• The sounds of teenage boys laughing, filling my house with noise.

• The pile of shoes by the front door.

• The goodnight hugs.

• The peaceful feeling knowing my boys are close.

It’s sad to think that after that day, I won't need to go that high school ever again.

But you know what?

Even though I'm grateful for the speed bumps in my life and for the perspective they've given me…

I won't miss the ones in that parking lot!

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