Horn Scorn

A couple of weeks ago we had a decent snowfall, and I was outside clearing the driveway with a shovel.

I have always enjoyed shoveling snow. It’s a chance to get some exercise, fresh air, and thinking time. There is something therapeutic about those three things working together.

I was toward the end of my driveway, nearly finished, when I heard the honking start. Our little side street didn’t usually have much traffic, but there were a few cars that were coming from both directions, and one of them was really laying on the car horn a couple of houses down. It lasted a good ten seconds!

I immediately assessed the situation, and determined that a couple of passing cars had gotten too close on our narrow road, and one was airing their grievances with the horn.

I was wrong. The horn honking was directed toward a huge white van which a neighbor ALWAYS leaves parked in the road. It’s very annoying. It blocks an entire lane of our side street and creates a bottleneck.

I determined that the lady honking was saying, “Move your van off the road you’re blocking traffic AGAIN!” What started as me scoffing at her loud antics became me almost cheering as she went by…you see, we all loathe that obnoxious van.

The Lord wants us to live peaceably with all men, as much as we’re able. Sometimes there will be annoying people who rub us the wrong way, and sometimes they need to be called out for their offenses.

But I don’t want to be the annoying one in life who needs to be called out for needlessly offending people. If we all did our best to live blameless and considerate of others, there would be a lot less strife in our world. That’s one way to live peaceably with all men, don’t be annoying, obnoxious, or inconsiderate. Good manners go a long way toward creating peace around us.

P.S. If my neighbor is reading this, there are over a hundred people in your neighborhood who would appreciate you parking in your driveway from now on.👍🏻