Today I’m happy to welcome Chris Morris as a guest blogger. He’s a busy guy, juggling family and day job while bravely submitting his work to different publications and blogging. He also has a collaborative, positive spirit that comes through in his online interactions. I’m excited about what’s in store for Chris, and I’m honored to have him here today.
Even at 2 am, It’s Not All About Me
by Chris Morris
At 2 am, it’s hard to keep track of how fast you are driving, especially when you are in Podunkville, Nevada. Priorities shift quickly though, when the Podunkville police car suddenly pulls out behind you and starts trailing you. This was my situation ten years ago, on the way to my best friend’s wedding in Carson City, Nevada.
I am not typically paranoid, but I definitely noticed the cop car. Especially after he followed me when I turned left. I nudged my wife awake and explained the situation. “Probably just a coincidence. Turn right up here, and he won’t follow you.” I listened, but the police officer didn’t—he followed me again.
His lights weren’t flashing, but it didn’t matter. I was in freak-out mode. We checked to make sure we had current registration and insurance…and we somehow had no proof of insurance. Panic set in. I didn’t know Nevada laws. What if I ended up with a huge fine, or even in jail? (The ridiculousness of youth; jail for no insurance?)
Photoshopcop (MorgueFile).
In the hope of alleviating my fears, I turned left again, this time into an alley. Surely the police officer won’t follow me down this road too. Wrong again! He followed me, still no flashing lights though. At this point, I was honestly getting irritated. “He needs to light me up or stop followi…”
My wife interrupted my righteous complaint by pointing and laughing hysterically. I was about to be offended when I saw it. The Podunkville Police Station. At the end of the alley. I had unwittingly driven directly to the station. Of course the police car was following me!
I pulled over, but not because of the police officer. We were both laughing hysterically. How is it even possible that I managed to find the Police Station in a town I have never visited? Why did I let fear corral my heart? Was I really worried about prison?
In that moment, I had a stark realization. No matter how badly I want it to be true, and even if circumstances seem to coalesce in such a way as to confirm my suspicions, the world does not revolve around me. Sometimes I just drive to the Podunkville Police Station at 2 am and have a police car follow me. But it’s still not about me.
A decade later, I still forget this sometimes. I act as though I sit upon the throne of the world as its ruler. But never with such unbelievable results.
What’s your best story from when you thought it was all about you?
Great story and even better reminder , Chris
Eilleen,
This is one of those stories I will never forget. Thoughts and actions get muddled when I forget my place. Boy am I glad the throne of the world isn’t mine. I would have a panic attack every day. Especially if I cannot even handle a Podunkville police officer
Too funny. I will think about your question. I can’t think of anything now.
Sad to say I have more than a couple of these in my life. I have a narcissism problem, apparently
Hilarious, Chris! I love the conclusion. I forget so often that the world does not revolve around me. 🙂
This is one of those moment that I will never forget. I’ve been wanting to write about this since I first started blogging, for that very reason.
Oh, how funny! I can’t think of a single thing to top that. LOL I know I’ve had moments like that but I’m drawing a blank right now. 🙂
Chris, I’m really struggling with this (very funny story, btw) because every time I have EVER been followed by a police car, it was about me and resulted in a ticket. But I love the story.
I have actually even been pulled over and didn’t get a ticket.
No, I didn’t show him a little skin to get out of it. I just completely freaked out because he was making me late for my first day at a new job
Great conclusion Chris! And great reading as always ! 🙂
Lotta, you are such an encouragement to me!
This has happened to me. Not with a police car, but just thinking a conversation, a look or an outburst was about me. Turns out – I’m not that important.
This is the balance. We are not the center of the universe, none of us. But I believe we are all uniquely created in the image of God, and of infinite worth. I tend to fluctuate between the two extremes: self-centered on the one hand, and feeling worthless on the other. Still learning to walk the balanced life.