Rubbernecking

On my way home from work the other day, I saw a dozen cars stopped where traffic normally flows smoothly. The backup went beyond a bend in the road.

“What's going on?” I wondered. Accident? Animal in the road? Broken-down vehicle?

I turned down another road and took a different way home. No time lost.

It made me think, however, of the times I’ve made an effort to see what’s going on. Not intentionally sitting in traffic ... but rather, seeing what the commotion is about. Hearing an argument and perking up my ear. Seeing something going on and changing course to go investigate. Not in order to help, but to indulge in a little rubbernecking.

Perhaps not a big deal.

However, if we have important work to do — if we value our time, our energy, and our purpose — we might think twice about falling so easily into distraction. As best we can, let’s stay focused on the work that matters.