Better to be Right and Know it than Dead Right
I had to cross one of those streets with those fancy flashy lights to let vehicles know a pedestrian is crossing. This reminded me of my high school driver’s education class. Where and when I grew up, everybody took the driver’s ed class the semester before they turned 16. It included class lectures and test and behind the wheel practice (3 of us and the instructor with his extra break installed).
Anyway, we were discussing four-way stops and who had the right of way. The teacher told us that depending on who got there first or, if they got there at the same time, the driver to the right got the right of way. I must have suggested that if I got to the intersection first, I should just go (after coming to a full stop) even if the timing was close. The teacher who doubled as one of the gym teachers said “it is better to be right and know it than to be dead right,” meaning that the few extra seconds waiting to make sure the other driver acknowledges your right of way are well worth it. If they don’t, and there is an accident, you could die and whether you were right or not wouldn’t matter. I took his advice to heart.
Later, I started developing what I refer to as the physics right of way theory which trumps the rules of the road. For example, a semi-truck or a cement truck always has the right of way should they choose to exercise that right. Conversely, someone in a Porsche convertible never has the right of way if I choose to push the situation. If I’m coming to a merge and a semi truck wants to sneak in front of me, I’m more than willing to let them and, conversely, if I’m trying to merge in front of a Porsche convertible, I’m more likely to insist they let me in.
If you buy my high school driver’s ed lesson and my subsequent expansion, the question is why we need to have that extra caution if we have legal laws we have to follow? The answer, of course, is that we are all sinful being and subject to making mistakes and having bad days.
“You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him. You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.” - Leviticus 19:17-18 ESV
“For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!” - James 3:2-5
“For if you truly amend your ways and your deeds, if you truly execute justice one with another, if you do not oppress the sojourner, the fatherless, or the widow, or shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not go after other gods to your own harm, then I will let you dwell in this place, in the land that I gave of old to your fathers forever.” - Jeremiah 7:5-7
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.” - Ephesians 5:15-21
I still look at that driver who pulls in front of me and wonders if he did it on purpose and, if so, what I should do about it. But at least now, I am as likely to give him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe my faith walk is helping.
