“You need to signal, or you’ll end up getting hurt,” the man in a big pickup yelled out the open passenger window as he drove by.
It was the first day of spring and my first ride of the year. I’d decided to turn right at the last minute and forgot to put out my arm.
The truck pulled over a few blocks ahead. Had the man stopped to drill home my mistake? I considered turning down a side street to avoid confrontation. But as I got closer, I watched him get out of the truck and cross the street.
“Thank you,” I called, and he turned. “Thanks for the reminder.” I thought I saw his shoulders go down.
That afternoon, I was riding on a shared pathway and, as usual, was lost in thought. As I neared a pedestrian from behind, I abruptly announced, “On your right.”
“Use your bell,” the woman barked back.
My bell broke last year, and I had forgotten Fred installed a new one.
We met up at the corner where I thanked her. The energy it took to speak up spilled into further admonitions from her and more apologies from me before she paused and complimented me on my bike and asked me where I’d ridden.
Back at home, I caught up on my emails. A friend challenged a suggestion I’d made about the wording of a document our group would use. It became clear what I suggested didn’t line up with our values. Again, I thanked someone for redirecting me.
Three course corrections in one day, and not once was I tempted to scold myself or wonder what was wrong with me. Instead, after a moment of embarrassment, I felt lovingly guided.
There isn’t just new life in the daffodils peeking out of the ground.
Healthy correction is good, and if you accept it, you will be wise.
–Proverbs 15:31 (CEV)
An Everyday Pilgrim 