I generally ignore pedestrian crossing lights. I know they are in place for my safety. I also understand that drivers depend on them for driving within the rules of the road. My approach to obeying pedestrian rules is a childhood rebellion that has, in my opinion, lingered far too long.
Tonight, I waited. I was cautious because everyone around me waited with silent patience. It felt unusual. In what seemed to be an eternity, I could hear life whispering, sharing lesson reminders for the day ahead.
Lived examples make a difference. It is easy to admit that the individuals around me influenced me. Their patience washed over me and became my patience. The calm and harmony shared in waiting infused me with hope that people across communities can act as one, if only for a moment. Their gift to me lingers on as a starting point for the day ahead.
Ignoring signals opens unwelcomed doors. There are no guarantees, especially when the promise depends on how others exercise their freedom. The chance of dark outcomes increases when I break the rules I professed to embrace. Yesterday’s warning echoes in my mind; “what do you think will happen if you turn on God’s Son, spit on the sacrifice that made you whole, and insult this most gracious Spirit?” (Hebrews 10.29). I love compassion, kindness, and care. After losing my grip on them, I realised I had become a messenger of hurt and destruction.
Reaching for something is easier than trying to hold back. In reaching for safety and consideration for others, I discovered that I was in a state of relaxed quietness. It was refreshing and restoring. My focus was on what I wanted. In my awareness of the goal, I let go of the struggle.Everything goes by more quickly than one expects. Red lights, pain, and angst all seem eternal, only to give way to the dawn and hope. The darkness of night has given way to a new dawn and fresh start, my opportunity to take last night’s lessons and put them to use.
