Swerve and Keep Going

 

Isn't it strange how things you see every day become invisible? Like that important piece of paper you tack on the bulletin board and then fail to see when you actually need it. It's so common for us to overlook things unless there is some kind of change involved. Our human brains need to create a lot of shortcuts for thinking in order to keep functioning in our ever increasingly complex world, we tune out a lot of information we've already seen. 

This truth struck me recently.  During a blast of winter weather while walking with one of our dogs I noticed a "swerve right" or "keep right" sign that I've seen hundreds of thousands of times over the past 30 years. 

Later by the fire with a cup of tea and a now warm dog on the sofa next to me I was struck with the thought that this sign which technically means "keep right" seemed to be saying swerve and move on. Avoid the obstacle and keep going. And even if you take the literal meaning, keep right isn't bad advice either based on the definition of right: what is good, proper, and just.

 Do you want to be in accordance with what is bad, improper, and unjust? I'm guessing no. 

Beehives that are doing well are known as queen right. I know you were up all night wondering about that. 

 There are times to stick to our guns but lots of situations call for us to be able to wisely maneuver instead of plowing ahead. Very often we can swerve to avoid disaster. We can adjust the sail to chart a new course. Charting a new course when things have gone sideways is a valuable life skill. One thing we have learned in the three years is that moving forward no matter how haltingly you are doing it is important. Two steps forward and one step back is still progress. 

Knowing when to hold on tight and barrel through and when to pivot and recalculate takes wisdom, not knowledge.  Fortunately, we can ask for that. 

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.