My Final Journey

I was recently asked to be an Inspirational Luminary on www.Inspiremetoday.com.  The request was to write a 500 word essay in response to the following question. "If today were your last day and you only had 500 words to share, what wisdom would you want to pass on to humanity? What have you learned that matters, and what doesn't?"

Since my use of car metaphors has been successful in helping others prepare their own “chasses” for life’s journeys, it is not at all surprising that I turned once again to my own car interior to find needed inspiration.  So, here are my words of wisdom.

If my journey were to end tomorrow, I would take comfort in knowing that, despite the impending storm outside, I had full control of my steering wheel and my control panel.  Why would this be reassuring?  Well despite the hazardous driving conditions, a fate certainly out of my hands, peace of mind would come with the knowledge that I am the pilot or driver of my soul.  A winding road and skidding tires would not dictate my final hours.   My navigation skills would serve as my guide.

My safety belt is on.  I am not going to throw caution to the wind and become disinhibited.  I will remain true to my beliefs.

My rearview mirror is playing a movie of my life.  Yes, there were some unhappy memories, but far fewer than my joys so I take pride in having used each road block as a detour to follow a better path.

I’m certainly not going to pull over to the next gas station and get tanked.  I want my final memories of my life to be vivid.  I want to cherish every friend, family, and acquaintance that crossed my path.

My gear is in drive, not reverse and my foot is going a bit below the speed limit.   After all, I will never pass this way again and I want to remember each cloud, each flower, each red barn.  A calf sucking on its mother is a thing of beauty.  Why did I never see that before?  A tear of joy forms in the corner of my eye.

The air conditioner and heater are off.  The windows are open.  I feel gentle rain and smell a clover-scented wind as it tosses my hair.

My glove compartment is basically holding the contents that were included since the assembly of this old, or should I say classic, model.  All that were necessary was a birth certificate or registration to validate my existence and my owner’s manual that assisted me in reaching out to my fellow man.  Whether it was a smile or a wave to a stranger, or a kind gesture to give up my right of way, the manual defined my essence.

And then there is the roadside assistance button.  Oh, come on.  We all have one.  When the going gets too rough and none of our car features are providing comfort in our final hours, then just push the button and say a prayer.  This particular device can bring immediate relief.

As I reach my final destination, I apply the break and reach for the ignition.  However, my navigator’s voice instructs me to look up to the sky and peer through the clouds.  As I turn off the ignition, I see a rainbow.