This is a real, honest-to-goodness road sign
I can’t make this stuff up! A Yield sign mounted right under a Railroad Crossing sign. Like there’s a choice? I found this just outside of Arlington, Washington, a town North of Seattle.
So … a Railroad Crossing sign telling you a really big, heavy, powerful monster of a machine comes through here. With two sets of train tracks no less. Two trains could pass through at the same time. And either train could push a truck down the track sideways without even breaking a sweat.
Oh but there’s more.
A Yield sign just below “The Monsters are coming for you!” sign. Telling you to give a thought, maybe two to yielding to the trains.
Some people take Yield signs to be optional. Maybe it’d be good to slow down, but not have to stop. Possibly even look both ways before entering the street. Or in this case running on top of the metal train tracks.
So why would anyone need to be warned to stay out of the way of a train coming right at them? Are some people so intent on doing things their own way that they ignore warnings? Really big warnings?
Or are they afraid to do it any other way than they’ve always done it because they might do it wrong, make a mistake? Even fail?
Let’s say they got there one second before the train. Would they figure because they got there first and were “technically in the right” the train had better stop for them? Or maybe they believe “Warning signs are for other people.
So what do these two signs have to do with “Things to watch(out) for in Life?”
You and I occasionally come across caution signs and WARNING! signs in life. We meet people or find ourselves in situations that nudge us one way or the other. Toward or away from someone or something. We get an sense, an inner feeling that something may be good or bad, right or wrong.`
What do you do when you “see” a Life warning sign? That something telling you inside to slow down. Be careful. Look again. Even to “Stop right now!” Think seriously about what you’re preparing to do or say. And even think twice about what you’re choosing to focus your thoughts on.
Our Thoughts are Powerful
Thoughts can turn into a decision to act or not act. Deciding not to act is a decision and an action in itself. Our thoughts that become decisions always bring change when acted on. Good or bad. If not to the outside world around us, then change to our inside world – our Body, our Soul and our Spirit [1 Thessalonians 5:23]. And if not a change directly within us, then a change for someone or something else.
Pay attention to this slightly sinking feeling, this inner warning, this nudge. Take time to think about it, pray for guidance, seek outside help if needed. Remember I am not a professional to seek help from. Then with that knowledge make your decision and act on your decision.
Now own your decision. Meaning accept, not just know but also accept that you made the choice and took the action. That the results of your decision and action are your responsibility.
If the results of your action lead to a new “warning” nudge be willing to ask God where this new inner feeling is meant to lead you. Maybe it’s not a warning sign but instead a “road sign” pointing to the “next step” to follow after the step you’ve recently taken. Or possibly asking you to modify your present action, or even change your original decision.
Your Life is your responsibility. Your choices are your own. And you have a Loving God more than Willing to help you when you ask Him. There are people who care for you, who Love you. If God brings you outside help, be accepting of His help. If it’s God’s Help it will be insightful, able to see things in a way you can’t because you’re too close to the situation. It will be truthful, honest. Even if it’s not what you want to hear but you know inside yourself what you’re seeing, hearing or feeling is right. It will be loving, supportive and truthful. That’s how God Works.
The moral of the story – when you feel a “warning” nudge first take a breath then say a prayer. Ask God to provide you with guidance and any help you may need. To bring understanding of what the feeling is about, why it’s there, what it’s trying to tell you. Very possibly you’re being made aware of a totally new concern in your Life. Or something you already know. Maybe something you don’t want to accept or face. Maybe like was just said above it’s actually a directional sign saying to continue in the direction you’re going. Not all nudges and signs are bad or meant to “scare” you. Or maybe you’re being told to turn down a new, better road. A new direction that will bring you a better life. Or maybe you’re being told to turn back. This way is not good for you or the ones you Love.
An action without thought is simply a knee-jerk reaction. Like when the doctor taps your knee with the little hammer to make your leg jump. A thought without a decision is just a dream. A thought that results in a decision coupled with action is Life. And decisions coupled with action that are made with careful thought and prayer, with God’s help which can come in any number of ways, lead you to your Best Life.
And God’s Blessings “self-multiply.” [How’s that for a new word? 😃] Not just for you but also for those you Love.
