There is a distinct upside and downside to have a head full of gray hairs. There is a correlation between the amount of gray and the automatic trigger that occurs your experience and connection with Life see or feel that something is not right. I usually feel something before I see it. While it is hard to describe to others so that it sounds like more than my stomach reacting to what I had for my last meal, it is very real. Often, as an event unfolds I can sense the warning signs.
The upside is that I am aware of what I otherwise could not see. The downside is that my awareness means that I do not trust others as much as I want to. Each movement by the other comes with a trigger message. Initially I thought it was biased based. With more time and triggers, I have come to realize that there is an underlying foundation of knowledge and insight that backs up most triggers.
As my warning signs went off recently, I found myself watching the individual interact with me. He was very smooth. In a way he is on one extreme of being brilliant or naïve. Regardless, “he has smooth-talked himself into believing that his evil will never be noticed.” (Psalm 36.2)
There is a secondary benefit to the awareness that also comes with age. Even though one is alert, one has the patience and awareness to decide what path to take. One can act knowing the risk, hopeful it will not materialize yet aware of the danger. Alternatively, one can take defensive actions or at least put distance between the danger and yourself. In my recent case, I choose to continue down the path knowing that the danger can and likely will strike.
I have no idea what the outcome of this choice will be. I am glad I know. I am also touched by the power Compassion gives to act knowing that it might hurt. Taking a risk for a friend is something worth considering, especially if one cares.
