By Les Ferguson, Jr.
Columnist

People typically read this column in two different newspapers. Others read it on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, X, or my blog host, Substack. While I live in Lafayette County, I write so you can relate wherever you reside.

If you asked someone outside of Lafayette County what Oxford is famous for, they would probably hear Ole Miss, William Faulkner, and the Square. Each is a legitimate claim to fame and worthy of a conversation.

But Oxfordians and Lafayette Countians know we are increasingly known for traffic circles.

I’m curious to know how many we have, and every time I turn around, I discover a new one or hear about plans for the following construction site. I like traffic circles more than sitting at a red light waiting for it to change. I’m aware that others do not share my enthusiasm.

My first experience with a traffic circle was in a movie, 1985’s European Vacation. In one scene, Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) is caught in a traffic loop going around and around. With each circle transition, he says, “There’s Big Ben.” Or “There’s Big Ben again.” While I may be easily amused, that scene always cracks me up.

My second experience was about 12 years ago in Ridgeland. This time, I was driving and woefully unprepared for the dance of cars and trucks entering and exiting the circle. I may have caused a few folks to blow their horns or comment about my ancestry.

We experienced that circle enough times to be adequately prepared for the multitude and growing number of Oxford circles. At this point, I’m often amused by watching folks who are uninitiated in the whys and ways of a traffic circle.

At the intersection of Highway 7 and 9, I have witnessed people entering the circle backward on multiple occasions. One of those times, a deputy sheriff happened to be there and made the offender back up all around the circle. I should repent of my laughter that day.

Traffic circles and the uninitiated are a lot like life. It’s not the straightforward intersection you expect with a stop, right turn, left turn, or straight-ahead decision. No, a traffic circle, like life, is about flow, timing, merger, and direction. And while we laugh at or fuss about those who are not proficient in navigating the circles, we should realize how often we mess up the navigation of our own lives.

If you are like me, you can look back at any number of times when you made the wrong move in the traffic of life. Maybe you are riding out that wrong direction even now.

Long ago, the Apostle Thomas said, “Lord, we don’t know where you’re going. How can we know the way?” Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:5-6 CSB)

Blessings to all as we travel this road of life. May you find the Way.