Thoughts while in traffic

I have learned to use the time I am stuck in the traffic of the North Road for more productive thoughts. There was even a time when I was able to compose a poem, and an article while waiting for the lights to change or the roads to clear. Of course I have tried to veer away from that now since it would qualify as distracted driving.

So now I just listen to music and I rest my cares on the shoulders of those who can do something about the cramped roads. Praying, one day, there will really be a way. I know that the local governments affected in these areas are already busy racking their brains on how to solve the problem of the burgeoning volume of motorists so I will leave the solutions to them since that is beyond me.

But I do thank the local government of Consolacion, and all those who have participated in the improvements of the network in the main highway of the municipality. Even SM has cooperated well, and this is an example of participation for a solution. The residents who live in the side roads, like me, have to follow the flow that has greatly reduced the Consolacion lock.

Even though it takes us a longer drive to make a turn, well, if it has indeed de-clogged the traffic, I am willing to do so since in the end, everyone’s mobility has bettered.

Still clinging to want to start my day happy, I refuse to acknowledge the staccato of our ride. Slow and unsteady in certain areas. Nevertheless there is movement. So that is good enough, I guess. Then, right as I was beginning to sing a tune to ease the drag, a man extends his hand out of the jeep I was following and throws an entire wrap out of the window. It looked like an irritating crumpled dot in the middle of the pristine asphalted roads.

I felt disgust. How can people still behave this way? I even practically convert my pockets and my bag into a trash bin at times when I cannot find any receptacle to contain my garbage. I was tempted to stop and pick up the trash and race after the jeep if I would not have been late for work. In my mind I thought “naa pa gyud diay wala ma train ug respitar bisan sa mga aide nga ni mata ug sayu para malimpyo lang ang dalan?” (are there still people who have not been trained to respect, at least the metro aide who wakes up early just to clean the roads?)  Frustrating!

As I was about to make a turn, now nearing my workplace, a woman stops me as she crosses, and unceremoniously spits as she crosses the street. Uncaring how unsanitary or crass it looked. Again, the same thoughts ran across my head. Simple acts of discipline. Simple gestures of breeding. 

I know that there are laws against indiscriminate spitting and throwing of garbage. But can you imagine the policemen chasing after people who spit and throw their garbage anywhere?  Murag sila nalang ang ma-ikog! (As if the policemen would be the one embarrassed to even apprehend!).

There are many problems in our land where solutions are dependent greatly on our participation. Keeping our surroundings clean. Respecting boundaries. Respecting the elderly and listening to their advice, taking on the wisdom and learning from their regrets so we do not commit the same errors. Following the law. Following the Lord. Building His kingdom in our hearts.  Knowing and practicing His humility, and acting with confidence in His justice.

Perhaps we need to understand more. To share more. To pray more.