At many railroad crossings and subway stations worldwide, you may see a sign cautioning drivers, pedestrians, cyclists or anyone entering the path of the train to beware. Trains cannot stop as quickly as cars and are not required to stop at all places where cars, pedestrians, and cyclists cross. For safety’s sake it is important to stop, look both ways, and listen for oncoming trains. We have daily crossings in our lives that come with subtle dangers. We can avoid daily pitfalls if we discipline ourselves to stop, look, and listen.
Sometimes we are so busy staying busy that we miss the stop signs, caution lights, and red lights which signal that possible danger may lie ahead. Slow down and pay attention to the speed limit, the road signs, and the traffic lights. Every now and then, it is a good idea to pull over at a rest stop to stretch and take a nap. Just as in driving, many of us have had health, emotional, physical, and spiritual accidents in our lives because we failed to get out of the driver’s seat for rest. Fatigue and weariness may cause you to miss critical signs. Who knows, the sign we miss may say, “danger, road out ahead.” Oops, over the cliff!
Not only must we stop and look, but we must also listen. We must listen carefully to words spoken by us and others, because words are clues to coming success or imminent danger. If we discipline ourselves to stop, look for and listen to, the thousands of clues we receive every day, wisdom and discretion with become our traveling partners and success will meet us at every mile-marker along the way.