“Life is always at some turning point.”
Irwin Edman
Twelve Parisian streets converge at an intersection called La Place Charles de Gaulle. The twelve avenues feed into the ten-lane traffic circle that surrounds the Arc de Triomphe. The American version of this intersection is a roundabout or rotary.
From the top of the Eiffel Tower, tourists marvel at the star pattern formed by the meeting of these streets. At night, the city lights and the speeding cars light up this intersection known as L’etoile.
All day and most of the night, cars raced around the circle, crossing multiple lanes at unbelievable speed in an attempt to exit on the desired avenue. Sometimes, it was necessary for our family to drive round and round and round L’etoile wondering if we would ever be able to exit.
Just when we thought we saw a break in traffic that would let us turn on to the street we wanted, a small voice (you know who you are) from the back seat of our Peugeot would shout, “One more time Dad! Go around one more time!.”
It was as if we were going the right direction and the wrong direction all at the same time.
At times, my life feels like a roundabout- as if I am going the right direction and the wrong direction all at the same time.
Like everyone else, I work hard, love my family and I try to do what is right and to be helpful to other people. However, I cannot seem to get where I want to go.
Maybe what I need is a “turning point” instead of a roundabout. I need to find a safe place where I can pull off the road for a bit, check the map and choose a new direction.
I am so ready to slow down and do the things that are most important. I want to quiet my soul before the Lord and enjoy Him. I want to go for a walk with my husband by Lake Michigan. I want to pray for families, friends, our church, our country.
No matter how much fun it is to race around one more time, I am ready to let go of the busyness that makes my life a roundabout.
What about you? Do you ever feel as if you are going the right direction and the wrong direction all at the same time? How are you going to exit this roundabout?
I’ve driven around L’Etoile and know exactly what you mean, Kay. Probably the scariest few minutes of my life! French drivers hold no hostages!
Paula–ha! That is great!!! Yes, it is a wild ride!
A wonderful metaphor!
Thank you, Claudia! I think you know a lot about those European roundabouts.
Love the analogy of a roundabout to a busy life. Yuck! I hate roundabouts. We have a few around here in Ottawa where we live and I curse them. They’re probably a breeze compared to the one in Paris, though.
Oh yes, I hear you loud and clear. I’ve often felt I’m going in the right direction and the wrong direction at the same time.
I’m constantly checking that map for a new direction but haven’t found the way yet. Maybe I need GPS!
Yes, a GPS for life! Don’t you think we can all use one?
I’ve never been to Ottawa–hope to someday. If we do, I’ll check out the roundabouts–and if I see a lady cursing them..well…:)
Kay & Cathy, Early in 2010 we had an emphasis called GPS; Meaning: GOD’s Plan for Sharing.
Oh, I feel this one! I blogged about just this a while ago. I’ve been feeling an aching need to slow down and get off the treadmill. There’s a line-list of things I want to be doing with my time, and I hear this clock ticking loudly, reminding me that time is a precious thing. I have a few personal goals that I’ve yet to reach, but mostly, I crave sweet time to focus on my husband, children, and those gorgeous grands.
My post on this topic is here: http://www.word-nerd-speaks.com/2011/06/hushing-hungry-heart.html
Great write Kay!! There have been numerous occasions where I felt like I was going the right and wrong direction at the same time. Lately, it has been a bit more peaceful…like a long Sunday drive in the country. I love how you used the analogy of the roundabout and life sort of taking over. I’ve been there one time too many. Awesome!! Cheers, Jenn
Jenn, you hit the nail on the head. Sometimes life just takes over! I love that you are on a long Sunday drive!! Enjoy the view!
wow powerful example today. Yes yes I often feel that way too. It is usually when I haven’t taken the time for silence and solitude. I try to extend my time in the mornings or hunt for a retreat. I read once we need to slow our bodies and mind enough to let our souls catch up with us.
good thoughts
Jean, I am like you in this…I need to find silence and solitude regularly! Happy Sunday.