We recently were in the UK for over a week on vacation as we spent time with our daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren as they recently moved to rub elbows with the Queen given a temporary work relocation.

It was a blessing to unplug from the day to day and take in the sights and sounds of a new culture.

We walked the streets of Windsor, fed swans, ate frozen yogurt, and have taken in the local sights.

We visited Beachy Head, a chalk headland in Southern England near Eastbourne.

The location is home to one of the highest chalk cliffs in England rising to a height of 531 feet above sea level while providing a fabulous view of the English Channel.

We also spent a day in central London, visiting Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and The London Eye.  It was a whirlwind tour facilitated by a train ride, but it was so enjoyable.

We walked the scented, floral pathways of Savill Garden amidst an explosion of color.

We toured Windsor Castle and climbed its steps to the highest point, visited its various state rooms, and explored one of the oldest working castles in Europe.

We were greeted with friendly “cheers” from those we met.

During the first day or two of our visit, adjusting to some minor jet lag was in order.

However, the biggest adjustment was driving on the wrong side of the road.

Being a passenger in the car while driving on the wrong side of the road compounded the perceived problem.

While traveling I was sitting in what would be my “normal” seat on the front left side of car, albeit minus the steering wheel.

Totally and unequivocally weird is the only way I can describe the sensation!

My son-in-law is an excellent driver and has adapted well in learning a new and necessary skill.

The matriarchal, English speaking GPS lady has helped point the way, but he still has to carry out her instructions.

Having never travelled in a foreign country before and experiencing different “rules of the road” requires a mental and perceptual adjustment.

To me, these chaps are driving on the wrong side of the road.

To the locals, it is life as normal as they are driving on the correct side of the road.

According to one reference, driving on the left side of the road has its roots in a feudal society.

Up to the late 1700’s, everybody travelled on the left side of the road because it was the sensible option for feudal, violent societies of mostly right-handed people.

Jousting knights with their lances under their right arm naturally passed on each other’s right, and if you passed a stranger on the road you walked on the left to ensure that your protective sword arm was between yourself and him.

I must admit I attempted to study what was going on while traveling between the GPS lady’s commands and Jeff carrying out her instructions.

However, my vehicular batting average did not make the grade for safe travels despite playing through the turns only in my mind.

Complicating the issue was the commonplace use of “roundabouts” at intersections while being on the perceived wrong side of the road.

If I were driving it would be a case of trying to discern if I were coming or going.

I understand travel here is on the opposite side of the road but my brain is screaming, “Move over!” in rapid fire succession.

I had to ask myself the question – “Are they really driving on the wrong side of the road?”

The answer is a resounding “no”!

I might think they are, but they are not. They are complying with the laws of the land.

It’s a matter of perception.

To understand, it requires looking through a different set of lenses.

I may not get the hang of traveling on the “wrong side of the road”.

However, I can take time to appreciate the perspective of another.

In my life there have been many times where I felt I was traveling on the “wrong side of the road” and in an incorrect manner.

At times, it has been disorienting.

It has been nerve wracking.

I have made decisions which have left me second guessing myself and succumbing to seeds of doubt.

When I should have turned left I did the opposite.

I could insist on driving or traveling on what I believe to be the correct side of the road.

This would be a serious err in judgment on my part.  It could get me seriously injured or killed.

The lesson learned during this brief time of acclimating to unfamiliar driving protocols is to relax, adjust, let up on myself, and go with the flow.

Perhaps the side of the road I think I should be traveling on is not the side of the road which will get me to my destination safely.

The question I must pose to you is this – Are you driving on the wrong side of the road?

If you are do yourself a favor and don’t sweat the details.

Go with the flow.

Allow yourself time to adjust and simply take in the view.

The road you think might be wrong is really the road which will get you to your destination.

To encourage you, tune into this brief reminder.

You will make known to me the path (road) of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy. Psalms 16:11 (NASB)

 

Photos Courtesy of Bruce R. Cross on location in the United Kingdom