During these days, with home and business security cameras, iPhones, and the media, it is easy for any event or action to be recorded, shared, and replayed, whether you want it to or not. It’s what you do with the evidence that can make a difference.
Dave Palazzolo, from Salt Lake City, had added a security camera aimed at his driveway. When any motion was detected, the camera began recording and he was sent an alert. The camera proved its worth immediately. About the same time most evenings, Palazzolo was alerted about the activity in his driveway. Since there were no cars parked there, it was puzzling about the consistent activity. Upon checking his camera, he noticed that a 3-year-old neighbor was riding his bicycle up the driveway, across in front of the garage doors, and then back down the other side of the driveway and onto the sidewalk to finish his ride. His parents were walking the dogs and quite aware of his riding on the driveway without permission. Night after night, the security system announced the arrival of the little boy. His neighbor had a decision to make. He could justifiably speak to the parents about the intrusion of the little boy and demand that he keep off of his property, call the police, or he could choose to do something else.
Palazzolo, no stranger to adventure, enjoys the excitement of a bike ride. He is a motorcycle rider and one of the founders of CanyonChasers Motorcycle Adventure, Sport, and Touring. After being annoyed at the intrusion and alerts for a few days, Dave’s wife made a suggestion. Late that night, Palazzolo went out to his driveway and with chalk in hand outlined a race track for the little boy to follow. He even included enter and exit arrows. The next evening the little boy once again started to ride on the driveway. His parents pointed out that there was a racetrack to follow and a certain place to enter. The little boy had a little trouble staying inside the drawn track, but this time instead of doing one lap around the driveway, he now took two. As the days went on, the boy got better at staying within the lines of the track. Then the rains came. Instead of ending a good deed, Dave drew another race track, this time with more turns and curves. The little boy was now gaining more control over his bike and able to more closely follow the drawn track, even with the more complex pattern. Each time the road needed to be redrawn, more parts were added, even a hairpin curve and slow signs appeared. Not only did the little boy enjoy his evening challenge, but the camera was now showing that other kids, and even some adults, were riding their bikes or walking on the race course. Some parents even pushed a baby stroller on the track.
One man's response could have caused stress and discord on his street. Instead, he chose to add fun and excitement to a little boy’s nightly adventures which spilled over to the delight of the neighbors as well. We each have a chance to choose our response when a situation occurs. Oh, that we, too, would strive for ways to express harmony, peace, and inclusion over discord and trouble.
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 7:12
(Jesus said) “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:35
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31
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