When trying not to inconvenience ourselves,

 we need to be sure that we’re not inadvertently 

inconveniencing others. 

Preparing to drive a few hours to a monthly class I teach at a correctional center, I decided to get a coffee from our town’s very own, newly opened (Yes!) Starbucks store. Knowing two routes, I chose the faster and more convenient one for me.

Things went well until I hit the last red light.

I was in the single lane for cars going straight as well as for those turning right. Needing to go straight, I waited for a green light. As I drove through, I glanced in my rear-view mirror to see how many cars were turning right. They all were!

I was in the correct lane and following the traffic rules. At that intersection, even with a red light, drivers would have been able to turn right should there be no on-coming cars. I realized then that stopping at the red light prevented them from doing so. I was holding other people up.

In focusing on my own needs, I had inadvertently inconvenienced several people.