Thing of the Day...Bad Directions?

I gave a guy bad directions this afternoon. It's been on my mind and I don't think there's anything worse one man can do to another.

I was running down the road and this brother yelled from his car, "Hey, buddy, hate to bother you but if I keep going straight will I hit City Line Avenue?"

I hate being called buddy. And I was running and who asks running guys for directions when you're in your car? So this annoyed me on several levels. I tried to think quickly if going straight would go to City Line Avenue but I couldn't visualize it right away. I blurted out, "Go left!" and kept on jogging.

Then I started to think about what I had done. Left would go north on Levering Mill Road which is nowehere near City Line Avenue and just leads to crappy traffic. Going straight would take him right there in about two miles. Why didn't I just say 'Go straight!" I was really bothered by my choice.

It turns out that passing on correct directions is basic. Ever since thirsty men sought water or robed camel riders sought the bazaar, men who know the way graciously guide their brothers. I owe one to the men, man.