There must have been something about the way I was riding that triggered the same reaction in two individuals walking dogs on the quiet street behind my apartment. As I replay the scene in my mind, I imagine the many possibilities.
The soft shadows were still visible as daylight was beginning to fade. The rush hour traffic had long passed. As I woke my way backstreets, I found myself enjoying the empty streets and familiarity of getting closer to home. How relaxed I felt was in stark contrast to the motorcycle’s posture in a low gears, high revs and instant responsiveness. As I leaned through the second last corner and accelerated, two individuals walking down the center of the street jumped left and right, dragging their small dogs after them.
I had already started to slow yet there was no change in the way their fear and annoyance played itself out in action! By the time I arrived they were on the far edges of the sidewalks on each side, poised, watchful, and waiting for me to pass. The expressions on their faces was obvious, even from a distance. It was as each were talking about me and the bike to the other even as I listened as a third party – “They are ‘barking their hate, nipping my heels – and for no reason!’ (Psalm 109.3)”
I smiled, saying “sorry to interrupt the walk, it’s beautiful this evening,” as I arrived.
As I passed everything changed. The two frowns and scowls morphed into smiles and in the transition from ahead to behind, I could hear their laughter. I have no idea what or who they were laughing at. In the moment, with the lack of time and a reference point, it was something to be left unresolved.
Even as I caught myself trying to figure out what had just happened, I found myself refocused on the immediate decisions of riding. Looking back, I am still not sure. I do know that as I continued to ride, it was with their gifted smile and lightness of heart!
