Parking in the wrong spot

I think I took a wrong turn today. My friends were commiserating about how some people seem to be self absorbed and feel entitled to disobey rules made for safety as well as courtesy. They were speaking of people who parked in the middle of where they aren't suppose to park. These poor parkers were causing inconvenience to many other and were even impairing public safety.

I began my reply but then, like driving onto a patch of ice, my control of direction was stripped from me. I was researching lists of virtues and even found the scouts oath/promise and laws we teach our boys and girls. At some point in reading them I was convicted of failing to following what I was reading. I will recount my sliding path for you. Perhaps we can learn to spot the icy patches in our lives.

Decency has become less and less common. Good sense is no longer using it's middle name, common. Face it! We live in a "Me, now!" world where every one is taught to stand out and not be common.

Is it time to morn the death of these two family members? Which of their siblings still survive them?

Boy Scout Law:

A Scout is

     trustworthy, loyal,

     helpful, friendly,

     courteous, kind,

     obedient, cheerful,

     thrifty, brave,

     clean, and reverent.

The Girl Scout Law:

I will do my best to be

     honest and fair,

     friendly and helpful,

     considerate and caring,

     courageous and strong, and

     responsible for what I say and do,

and to

     respect myself and others,

     respect authority,

     use resources wisely,

     make the world a better place, and

     be a sister to every Girl Scout.

I was about to join in the lamenting of the poor parking practices of people I didn't know. It suddenly occurred to me I wasn't being friendly or kind, nor was I brave or helpful. The world we live in is far from perfect. We continually hear news of tragedy and horror. It is difficult to be brave and extend an invitation to be friendly to a stranger. It is easier to be courageous in a group, like in a social mixer for "bus stop neighbors" at a local café or bookstore.

A discussion of weather and the recent snow could lead to talking about narrow roads and limited parking. One could lament that there is barely enough space for three cars at the bus stop and that each driver would need to be good at parallel parking.

I don't often have to Parallel Park and I realized a short time ago my skills had nearly disappeared. I have since made an effort to practice and I can again triumphantly smile at the 6 inch gap between my tires and curb. I must remember, however, no to gloat about it because I do drive a Saturn and it is uncommonly well suited for those short parking spaces that are often the only ones available.

--Jack <)B^D≈