default.there's an app for that

Those of us who have teenagers behind the wheel of a car know the feeling of that phone call that can only mean something is wrong! 😬

My oldest son (N) drove his two younger brothers to a nearby martial arts gym for their karate class. I was on the way home from work when N called. As he (almost) never calls and I knew he was on the road, every bad-news scenario ran through my mind. His voice was fairly calm and reported that he had accidentally locked his keys in his car as he was refueling at a nearby gas station. Sigh of relief.

Luckily I wasn’t traveling and was already close to home. “See you in 20 minutes. I have to grab keys at the house and I’ll head your way.” Perfect! I was so thankful that I was available to help and nothing was really wrong. Pulling up to the gym, N was sitting outside on the sidewalk ready to get this over with and carry on with life. I can tell you I’ve been picked up off the sidewalk a couple times in my life and it’s a great feeling to reciprocate the favor! We got his car quickly unlocked and we both moved on with our day.

During the ride home with my windows down and music blaring after a job-well-done, it dawned on me - I have an app for his car! …forehead smack, DUH! I laughed out loud and realized I could have logged into the app, unlocked his door, and gained him reentry in a matter of seconds, all from the comfort of home. I just wasted 40 minutes of my life (and my son's) that we could have spent doing something else. But wait, since I forgot about the app and its convenience in sticky situations, my son was given some time to think/ponder about his situation and the mistake he made and I was afforded the opportunity to spring into real action to help someone in need. The same outcome would have occurred either way, but the journey and lessons would have been very different.

Sure, there might be an app to donate money to a cause, or texting a friend might help cheer them up, but in the end making the effort and taking the time is what truly impacts the lives of who is helping and who is being helped. It just felt better to physically be there for him. Do I wish I would have used the app? No. Will I take the time to drive and help one of my kids the next time they call and need dad’s help? Absolutely! And I will love every minute of it!

live your default.life!