caution & care
October 8, 2014 § 4 Comments
This morning, paused at a familiar intersection, I noted the flashing red light of a broken stop light cautioning drivers to allow for cross traffic. The pattern of light communicated a singular message to drivers from each corner of the same place, changing the rhythm of expectation. As I replaced the car in front of me in waiting, I noted a green light abruptly challenging the current of assumptions, interrupting the slow progress of forced politeness with new permission. To my left a driver had yet to note the change and moved into harm’s way while behind me another driver impatiently advanced. Trapped between other’s confusion and my own caution, I thought of the serendipitous paths of so many strangers crossing in a perfect accident of intention each day.
I wonder, how many times have I missed the person exercising caution who needed a moment’s patience, or misjudged the anxious individual rushing across my path? How many times have I reacted to assumptions without first understanding a message of need or request for care? How many times have I moved blindly through routine, missing a change in the patterns around me?
scribblechic 
Wonderful musings! I am going to follow you!
Thank you for your kindness.
That’s a nice connection you made there. You are correct though. How often does it happen–more often that we’d often admit.
Thank you, Maurice. The thought behind the question was a lovely awakening.