Driving on my way to one of my favorite coffee shops, after dropping my kids at a friend’s house, I was navigating to the GPS’ directions. It took me through roads I knew but was uncertain as to the fastest route from that specific location. Being over-attentive to the guidance system’s instructions, I impulsively took a turn earlier than I should, finding myself on a ramp to the wrong highway with no way to turn back. Suddenly a 15 minute drive turned into a 45 minute drive. Now I had to continue on the highway to the next exit before I could get off. This all happened quite fast, maybe within a space of ninety seconds; one minute I knew where I was going, the next my mind was processing options due to the navigational error on my end. I remember considering making an illegal instant U-turn, or trying to dangerously back up the ramp. Luckily I was in no huge rush and ended up picked the better choice of just paying the price for the mistake I have made.
Driving the extra distance, it occurred to me how, occasionally, this is exactly what happens to us in other aspects of life: we make the wrong decision and are left with a price to pay. When erring there is usually anger at the mistake made, followed by denial and blame, and then trying to find a way out of paying the full price. But the universal law of cause and effect will always balance the score. There are no shortcuts: action and reaction; even when we think we can cheat destiny, it will ultimately catch up with us. May as well pay the full price when charged; when paying by credit card there is an interest added…
Learned from: a wrong turn on the road
