I thought the parking space was terrific for my little Prius, right there in a little spot of shade close to the store. My kind of parking lot magic! Yes.
But when I finished my shopping, I found that a large SUV had parked on the left at an angle, making it a bit of a squeeze. And on the other side, I was just one vehicle from a steady stream of traffic turning and passing.
I unloaded my cart, got into the car and rolled down the windows for a breath of cooler air. As I looked to my right, I saw a silly grin aimed right at me. The driver had just climbed into his SUV. He lit a cigarette and offered to let me back out first with a gentlemanly gesture. Then, considering the situation from his higher advantage, he gently suggested that I might have more wiggle room if he pulled out first instead. Just after he did, another driver in a big-ass truck came barreling around the corner. He rocked to a halt, backed up to stop traffic and proceeded to help me by signaling how much room I had. Other shoppers with carts stopped and waited. It didn't take long . . . but it seemed to take a village.
As I left, there were waves and smiles all around. Moving out of the lot and onto the street, I had the idea that perhaps it would be better to park somewhere else next time - - - and quickly regained my senses. Ha! Why would I want to miss out on all that happy attention, all those solutions, all that generosity and joy?
I delight in my tight spots. Why, there's a surprising world of sweetness in there. It's my new favorite parking lot magic!
