safety reflection

returning back to work after a week at a workshop/retreat is very difficult. we even had a session on 're-entry', and how to come back into the world after being focused in the way we were for the week. and i grant you, it is difficult!

on my way to church today, i noticed that stop signals are, i think, used as a choice -- if one wants to stop on yellow, they might; if not, it seems perfectly acceptable to just 'plow on ahead'. i am reminded of a dear woman friend who was told to 'take a breath in and out when you come to a stop sign, before going on'. that piece of advice doesn't seem to work at an electric signal. even when there are pedestrians around who have started to cross the street, their rights are not fully observed.

this, of course, becomes a safety issue. cars and walkers/bikers clash, and the walkers/bikers become 'at risk'. i realize this now as i've started walking again. and isn't it ironic that walking for health reasons can be such a risk.

this morning i left the house at 5:30; really risky. it occurs to me that people in cars drive as if no one else should be out at that time of the morning....ok, if you've followed my blog for any length of time, you'll notice that i've made this remark before. and so i've noticed that some communities are making cross-walks stand out more; flashing lights are pushed if you want to cross. and who knew, but, cars are suppose to stop!!! remarkable!

so, my reflection today is to 'slow down'; breathe at a stop sign; remember that we are not at the starting gate of the kentucky derby when the green light comes on. and, when i am walking -- and i hope you'll remember this too -- that while the law says we have the 'right of way', hesitate before crossing'. i think we all might live longer! safety.

on another note ... because some of you think that retreats are all work and no play ... i have to say that our group had a little fun with jesus last week. if you go back to last week's post, you'll notice the picture of jesus with his hands raised. i believe this image is suppose to be about blessing all who enter the retreat center. well, we got to laughing, that jesus looked more like he was saying , 'no! no! go back!' or 'we have rules here -- one of which is not to linger over lunch' or even 'slow down; bunnies at play' (there really were bunnies on the property; very friendly, and, seemingly, always hungry). so, maybe that can be your laugh for the day...how many phrases of jesus can you come up with in a minute, as you reflect upon that statue????