Stan Gambrell, longtime City Manager of Vienna, Georgia, was a creative genius with a keen sense of humor. Although he died in 2010, Stan often comes to mind as I notice various road signs. He inspired me to consider their hidden lessons.  

My good friend had a splendid idea for a country music album to be titled “The Road Signs of Life.” He wrote a song for it that would have played well at the Opry. I’ve forgotten the lyrics except for its humorous hook. “Sharp curves and soft shoulders made a wreck out of me.”

Seeing a SHARP CURVE or SOFT SHOULDER warning still reminds me of Stan’s clever spin on those two cautions. Other signage frequently leads to ponderings.

“SLOW CHURCH ZONE” is a message I frequently drive past. It’s amusing but sobering too. I’m not sure what the situation is at Big Poplar Baptist Church these days, but business is slow for many congregations. Fire sales at July revivals used to help fill pews, but the market for brimstone burned out.  

“CONGESTED AREA” greets me each week on my way to get allergy shots in Cordele. It always brings a smile but sometimes prompts me to consider the hazards of spiritual congestion. Although highly contagious, a sure cure is free for the asking.  

“NARROW BRIDGE” is a warning that’s easily ignored. If you’re meeting a big rig I suggest the brake and pray maneuver. That tactic is useful in many situations. 

“SLIPPERY WHEN WET” is also tempting to disregard. It amazes me that even in a storm, vehicles on I 75 will fly past those of us who embrace sanity. Maybe they are misinterpreting the term “driving rain.”  

“RUNAWAY TRUCK RAMP” can be a welcome sight. Vehicle brakes are better now than when those ramps were first built, but steep slopes can still send you “rolling downhill like a snowball headed for hell.” Merle Haggard said a lot with that song. 

During my childhood Daddy told me a story about a close call he had due to a brake failure. He was driving an old farm truck with tandem rear axles in the 1950s when he pressed the brake pedal and nothing happened. Seems like he was in Fort Valley but I’m not sure. By gearing it down and using the emergency brake, he managed to creep home at a snail’s pace. Daddy recounted that experience multiple times, hoping I was paying attention.

That brings to mind a somewhat related caution, “BE PREPARED TO STOP.” Decades ago I was pulling a wagon load of peanuts to Giles and Hodge Farm Center in Unadilla. I was driving Daddy’s pickup and making better time than I should have been. I knew Mr Frank Giles would have a cold Coca Cola waiting for me.

When I reached the crossroads a mile north of our house, that light-duty truck was no match for several tons of peanuts pushing it forward. I lurched through the crossing without incident, very aware it could have ended much differently. 

“BE PREPARED TO STOP” has life applications also. Practical matters are tempting to put off, thinking we’ll take care of them later. That can be problematic, but what’s far more serious are unattended spiritual matters. Second chances are always subject to expiration dates.    

Pondering signs is a habit of mine, first inspired by a friend’s clever line. It’s easy to picture Stan as he stopped by my office one day. With a wry smile he stood at my desk and softly sang, “Sharp curves and soft shoulders made a wreck out of me.” We shared a good laugh but it turned out to be more than just an amusing moment. The road signs of life are filled with hidden lessons. Trying to find them I consider a blessing.