The traffic cone stood out. Alone and in pristine condition, it had been placed in the right-hand lane of a busy street. At the time, I had no idea why it was there. One might think that a cone in good condition would never be abandoned or left by itself. With no indication of that others would join it to serve a purpose, I was left wondering “why”.
The question of why often haunts me in my dark nights of questions and examination. As I question the scene, wondering why I feel alone, I find myself considering the traffic cone. Life took advantage of my struggle and began to whisper reminders and lessons that I find myself reflecting on as the day begins.
Start every day holding wisdom close to your heart. If I cannot see it close by, my first task is to find it. On days like today where it is right in front of me, “If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody” (Romans 12.18), then I hold it close to my heart and mind. My prayer includes the calling to use wisdom in every moment that follows.
In the busyness that life brings, remember there is a bigger story. Yes, I am the centre of my world. I am also part of a larger story, a greater context. In my awareness of this, I look beyond the immediate to the possibility of acting in the present towards a better future for myself and those around me.
One is never as alone as one feels. For me, it often seems like the dark moment will last forever. With the cone, when I went by last night, I found that the isolated cone was now part of a community protecting those within its circle. The puzzle was now clear. What seemed pointless was now intentional.
My day starts with quietness. Stillness dominates sound and movement. It feels as if I am alone. As I meditate and connect within, I find I am, like you, accepted, treasured, and part of a family.
