Lay Person in Charge
Liz Shaw
Tel: 01433 630541
Email:
Just Thinking…
I sometimes wonder if I am getting a little
grumpy and a little less tolerant! I pose this
question not so you can all rush and confirm
that I am, but merely as a starting point for
something that has been troubling me now
for a few months.
I tend to journey to Hucklow twice a week
usually, and when I do, I come over the top
by Bretton and then down into the village.
I am, I think, a careful driver and I am aware that this route is
narrow with lots of bends and corners to negotiate whilst
keeping an eye out for oncoming traffic. So when I drive to
Hucklow I usually do so at a pace that enables me to enjoy the
journey and the views, which have a 'settling' effect on me and
can give me much needed inner calm.
Over the last few months (or maybe much longer and I have
chosen to ignore it), I have found other drivers to be less
respectful, and on a few occasions have come across another
vehicle who forces me into the hedge or side of the road, by
barging their way through without so much of an
acknowledgement. Worse still when I smile at them, I am
usually met with a grimace or a glare!
In contrast to this are those who are out walking, some with
their dogs, and who wave and smile when I pass even if they
don't know me. I do pass some people regularly now whom I
don't know but we exchange knowing nods and smiles. This
has led me to ponder whether it is because those walking have
their minds on things that enable them to still be part of what is
going on around them, whilst those driving are on a mission,
with no regard to how they interact with other road users.
Am I being unfair? Well I think not. I think that sadly we seem
to be more in an age where people put themselves first and
others second, thereby giving the impression that they do not
care for who or what is around them.
We all share this planet, and we all share the area where we live
and work, it does not belong to individuals, and so I further
wonder whether by being as we sometimes are, is it no wonder
that our world is full of conflict and pain?
If we are unhappy with how Governments act within our own
Country as well as others, maybe we would do well to take a
close look at ourselves to see if we behave in the same manner.
There is little enough time on this planet, so why waste it with
having little or no regard for others. For when wealth and
property are stripped away, we are left with each other, human
beings who deserve some care and regard and love, and that
costs nothing at all.
So next time you pass a stranger or a stranger passes by your
gate, acknowledge them with a nod or a smile, it works
wonders. And if you pass me on the top road to Hucklow,
don't force me into the side, stop, wind down your window and
exchange some pleasantries. Let's see if we can start
something new going - give time to others and let them give
you and others their time.
In love,
Liz