In my experience, I often sense a presence as something is unfolding. Usually, I only understand the who or what with time and reflection. When I was young, I often choose the opposite of whatever the impression I had in the moment. My need to be independent, in charge of myself, and decisive was more important than wisdom and thoughtfulness.
I look back with a smile. So many squandered opportunities! Candidly, it would be dishonest to think I learned quickly. My education required decades of less-than-ideal outcomes coupled with a willingness to learn and a growing self-awareness of the opportunities which only come by allowing others into my life.
Yesterday included a moment where wisdom was present, and I was not. I caught myself, but by then it was too late. Things were unfolding and being safe was all that mattered.
Imagine a big cruiser motorcycle go into a cloverleaf turn off an expressway. The rider and passenger have good form. The speed into the corner was appropriate for the traffic and conditions. Everything was as it should be, except for the rider’s awareness of a SUV coming up from behind the bike, the gap rapidly closing.
If you were watching the scene, you would have been talking, maybe screaming to the rider. Be alert! Make sure you keep your speed up!
In the moment of greatest risk, I sensed a Presence with a variation of those words! I wish I could say I listened and acted without hesitation. What played out was a weird scene where I found myself slowing and a blue G63 SUV passing me on the outside space of a single lane cloverleaf turn.
We were safe. No road rage followed. My awareness to the moment at hand and any wisdom whispers snapped back. A life lesson without a painful outcome.
As I reflect, I find myself playing a character in an old Psalm. “Oh, blessed be God! He didn’t go off and leave us. He didn’t abandon us defenseless, helpless as a rabbit in a pack of snarling dogs.” (Psalm 124.6)
