The School Zone

 Mixed Signals: Patience and Presence Where It Matters Most

You’re driving through a school zone and the car ahead is crawling… blinker on… then off… then on
again. You’re late. You’re frustrated. “Make a decision already!”

But here’s the thing—school zones aren't just about speed limits. They’re about presence. Attention. Caution.

We forget how precious those few hundred feet are—how easily a child’s life could be forever changed. The blinking indecision ahead of us might be annoying, but it’s also human. Maybe they’re unfamiliar with the area. Maybe they’re trying not to mess up.

Ethics in action often looks like slowing down. Not just physically, but mentally. To give space for others' uncertainty. To make room for mistakes without reacting in anger.

It’s not just about doing no harm—it’s about actively protecting others with your patience.

💡 Personal Challenge:

Next time you're in a school zone, put your phone away and drive like your own child might dart into the road. Offer grace to the hesitant driver in front of you—and see it as a chance to protect, not a reason to rush.

🙏 Prayer:

God of protection, soften my impatience. Help me to make space for others, especially in places where safety is sacred. May I drive with the same grace I hope others extend to me. And may my presence be part of the peace, not the pressure. Amen.