I watched the scene unfold as if I was in a dream. Two cars in the center lane were waiting to turn into a petrol (gas) station. A third car was growing impatient, and decided to take action. Blissfully unaware of what I could see, a motorcycle was approach in the center of the slow late. As he arrived, the car in the center late decided to take action. As he turned into what had been a free lane without looking, the bike and the car met as if in slow motion.
I thought that the car would change direction with the hit from the motorcyclist shoulder on the passenger door. It did not. It kept going, pushing the bike to the edge of the road, brakes squealing, sparks flying, and the sound of metal and plastic giving way to the forces at hand.
When everything became motionless in the bus stop, the bike was half on the curb with the rider and pillion trapped underneath. There was a pregnant pause, in hindsight no more than an instant, and then everyone did what they could to help. Hands on the bike, lifting it off and away from the trapped individuals. Extended hands and voices, making sure everyone was ok.
The conversations that followed were calm, level headed, and compassionate. Nobody raised his or her voice. The focus was on compassion, care, and doing what needed to be done. Careful attention was paid to all, including the driver of the car that had started the chain reaction. It was a potentially sad story filled with people taking the right actions in response to life.
I wondered what life would be like if challenges you and I faced got the same response as the two on the motorcycle did. Today I often hear a lament; “God, how long are you going to stand there doing nothing? Save me from their brutalities; everything I’ve got is being thrown to the lions.” (Psalm 35.17) Instead our conversations would begin with the first words I heard at the bus stop; “Thank-you.”
