If I had not looked up, I would have missed it. Ironically, the sign was after the danger point, so the warning came as I was in the middle of the danger. The warning was an immediate call to look left, right, behind, and ahead. My casual walk in deep reflection, broken by the call to action. I found myself smiling as I considered the instruction and observation left generations ago: “When you tell God you’ll do something, do it – now. God takes no pleasure in foolish gabble. Vow it, then do it.” (Ecclesiastes 5.4)
See or hear, understand, and act. The sign reminds me that in seeing and hearing, I have a choice.
Awareness is a choice. I have walked through this danger zone for over seven years. Given the signs of age on the warning sign, one might think that it was familiar. Once I saw it, I recalled having seen it before, possibly once or twice. In the moment, it felt like a surprise. Within, I could hear life’s whispers reminding me of lost opportunities, ignorant moments that were far more dangerous than I realised, and my imposition of care for drivers in the area. It was an ironic reminder. My annoyance when pedestrians are careless was now something I was imposing on others.
Care is more than an expression; it is the foundation to each moment. When I care, I am aware and open to being informed. I want to know. I am looking to see. My heart and senses are on alert. There is a time and place for reflection and restoration. It can happen anywhere, at any time. As important as it is for me, it does not follow that I ignore everything around me in the process. Quite the opposite! In my embrace of everything in the moment, I open myself up and let go at the same time. Fully present, aware, and vulnerable, letting Divinity and Life speak to me in the ways of their choosing.
Today’s signs are invitations to step in and make a difference.
