Pass On The Left

     As I walk an 8K, the happiest pre-schooler, riding what looks like a new scooter, approaches on the opposite side of the park's paved path. He should continue to head straight, staying on his side, as we pass each other. No problem: but instead, he takes extra effort, intentionally crossing over diagonally, to my side of the paved path. I see the whites of his intent eyes. He heads directly towards me, like he's gunning me down, seemingly crazed.

     A mutual moment occurs as paths prepare to collide. Excuse me, he says...

     The other side of this story, "Joey's" letter-of-the-law perspective, is shared for mutual understanding...

     Joey's parents promised him months ago that for his 4th birthday they would buy him a scooter: Joey, a scooter is for big boys, but they can be dangerous if you're not careful. When you ride a scooter, you must wear a helmet.

     Over and over conversations about scooters and helmets are replayed. Finally, the big birthday arrives, with scooter-riding fun on the front sidewalk, and Mom says: Since Daddy will be off work early today, let's meet him at the park to show him what a big boy you are. The park's long sidewalk is perfect for scooters.

    In the car, Joey's excitement is written all over his face. Are we there yet?

     Almost, says Mommy, and she reviews the scooter rules: Big boys wear big boy helmets. Other people will be on the path, and you will be moving faster than they walk. It is very, very important to pass people on the left, and big boys are polite. Big boys say excuse me. Which is your left hand?

     Joey raises his left hand many times, practicing during the car ride. With helmet in place, Joey is ready to show off for Dad: Don't forget to pass people on the left. Which is your left hand?

     Up raises Joey's left hand. He's ready for the open, forever long speedway. Joey's foot becomes a speedy motor. Wow, this scooter moves f.a.s.t!! 

      Passing alert!! Mommy said there would be other people on the path, and here's one coming towards me on the other side. It'll be tricky to cross over and pass on the left side. I'm a big boy. Pass on the left. My left hand is this one. Got it!  The lady is coming, coming... closer, closer, closer... cross over... I see her surprised eyes... She must also be thinking I'm a very big boy! Just wait until she hears my polite...
   
     Excuse me, he says.

     I quickly zag left to dodge a head-on collision.

     Joey's heroic thoughts? Mommy and Daddy will be so proud of me!

     He happily proceeds along, with no attempt to slow down. This bewildered walker wonders why he was drawn like a magnet to my side of the path?

    His parents see the dire look on my face, and they apologize, never predicting that in obedience, Joey would misunderstand. That he would use extra effort to cross over and almost gun down oncoming pedestrians to pass them on his left!

    Joey reacted opposite of mutual natural. Obedient to the left, but he wasn't right...

     Mutual take-away:

• Principles outweigh rules
• Two wrongs do not make a right, or left: and,
• Crossing over to the other person's perspective affords me to offer grace (Paradigm shift, Stephen Covey, 7 Habits).