On the way to work, I figured I would run a simple errand.  Nothing special, just return a DVD to the video store.  Pulling into a parking spot and strolling toward the drop box, I had no idea of the terrible experience that awaited me.  An experience of fear and reflection.  Of panic and peace.  Of the moment and eternity.

The motion was simple.  A motion that my hand has made many a time over the course of my life.  I pushed the DVD through the return slot.  I turned to leave.  I quickly pulled my hand out of the slot.  Then a jolt.  A sudden whip motion.  I was pulled back toward the slot, as my wedding ring hooked beneath the metal flap.  I was being returned.  Apparently there was a late fee due and I would pay the ultimate price.

As I remained stuck for what seemed like an eternity (probably less than three seconds), I considered the greater context of my fate.  I would be stuck forever not only in a video store lobby, but also in a dietary purgatory.  Stuck forever between Little Caesars to the North and Snap 24-Hour Fitness to the South.  Forever smelling pizza, but never being able to taste.  Forever wanting to run, but never reaching a treadmill.  My mind faded.  My senses dimmed.  I felt my soul drifting.  I smelled Crazy Bread.  That is when my captor smiled upon me.  The evil steel video return slot released me.  I was again free.

Looking at life with a renewed sense of gratitude, I bid farewell to Family Video and continued my walk through the parking lot.  A walk on that fine line between food and fitness.  A walk between Heaven and Hell, although I could not clearly tell the destination from the eternal ramifications.  Life is like that.  Life is full of hard choices, especially when you stand stuck in the middle.  Indeed, life is full of choices and for my own safety, in the future I had better select On Demand.