Blind Spot

On By K.L. HaleIn Blog feed 
It flashes at just the right time.  Cars are whizzing by and unknowingly to me, enter my blind spot.  Radar sensors are used to warn me when other drivers are in an area near me that I can’t see.   An audible warning and two flashing small cars on my rearview mirror also indicate traffic approaching from the side. The backup camera keeps me keen too. How did I ever drive all the years prior without these features? 
K.L. on the road

Why couldn’t I have been born with blind spot indicators?  When something I can’t see approaches a danger area, I want flashes and audibles please!  An elevator “ding” won’t work.  Slow music would paralyze me with peace.  But a loud sound of nails on a chalkboard would get my attention…fast!

Unfortunately, we all have blind spots.  As a leader I would count on team members to help point them out to me (a kind manner proved mammoth). 

Although I don’t have a physical blind spot detector, I do have a spiritual blind spot detector.  To some it may just be a gut feeling.  Or a sixth sense.  Maybe it’s pit in the stomach that gives you a sour soul sensation.  As a life-long people pleaser I’ve experienced some crashes that I knew, at the last moment, I could have avoided.    But many times, our blind spots can be something in which we’re unaware.  For some a blind spot could be a result of not facing reality.    The danger is there.  But you can’t see it because you have chosen to not believe any other way but yours. So many of us believe we are less biased than others.   These patterns are destructive.  But for the Holy Spirit.

Alongside faith and belief, I rest on Isaiah 11:2-3, “And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him-the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. He will delight in obeying the Lord.  He will not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay.”

It’s never easy to recognize those things that would no longer protect what we believe to be true of ourselves.  Once you understand these perhaps you won’t veer into the blind spots of others. Staying aware is my soul sensor.  Awareness of triggers and dangers that keep me swerving.  The reactional recovery must be accompanied by wisdom and truth.   It’s time to buckle up!

Simply, the things I love should be for the sake of God, rather than for their own sake.  And that love will provide perfect sight.🤍

One day last week, on a crowded two-lane tourist-area road, I saw a man standing outside his car. This particular road is curvy. Talk about blindspots! His car, inconveniently, was out of gas on the midway point up a hill on which there was NO view of approaching cars. I could see the looks of frustration around me via mirrors. Cars were trying to PASS ME (I was 3rd behind him) with NO VIEW of oncoming traffic; and in a no-passing lane; imagine that! 😉 NO ONE was going to help him. “Ok, I have the nudge God, I’ll stop!” Safely I pulled as close to him as possible, window down, and shouted, “How can I help you sir?”

“Do you have a gas can?,” he replied.

“I don’t, but get in and I can run you to the Dollar Store up the road!”

This went against anything I’ve ever taught others about “stranger danger”. But see, I just KNEW. The humidity was about 90% on this 90-something summer day. He looked terrible and sad. Was it my gut that knew? It was more than that.

I introduced myself. He said, “I’m a surgeon and I can’t even save myself!” My heart sank as he shared about his family calamities; friends, it was a LOT. Sharing my sympathy and promised prayers for him, he shared his name.

“Our family doctor (from another small-town Missouri) throughout my childhood has the same name!” He replied, “My Mom says he ain’t worth a d*#^!” (and I saw a grin form on his hot face). I quickly turned to look at him in surprise as he said, “That’s my Dad.”

Coincidence? We arrived at the store and I put my own Father on speakerphone. “You’re not going to believe this!” Their conversation ranged from sharing about the kindness of strangers to the gratitude to his Dad for taking care of our family for so many years. It’s a small world.

Some of us believe the world is too large and dangerous. Sure, there are dangers. It might be just outside your front door or across the globe. But just the opposite can be experienced if we pay attention.

Paying attention is important. I’ve had a similar incident in which I wouldn’t have stopped. Maybe my blind spot sensors were going off! But either way, helping him on this blind spot became the blessing of my day. I’ll not forget it.

Have faith 💚

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60 thoughts on “Blind Spot”

    1. Pam, thank you always for your support and encouragement. Before my final edit I had a sentence that shared how thankful I was in a leadership position for those that pointed out blind spots in a kind manner. I’m glad that Butch is that for you! 🤍

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  6. atimetoshare.me

    I believe that God places us in circumstances just like this at just the right time, to renew our faith on him as well as our fellow man. You were just the perfect person for this fellow to meet that day.

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    1. That’s exactly what it was to me, Kathy. It was a renewal of faith in fellow man and a joy knowing that moment was created by my Creator. It makes me smile just thinking about it. Hugs and peace sweet lady. I hope you are both well. 🤍

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      1. atimetoshare.me

        We’re both staying busy and healthy in spite for f constant reminders that our age is creeping up on us, but we continue to press on for the amazing prize waiting for us. Sounds like life is pretty busy for you. Glad you have time to enjoy moments with God as well.❤️

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  7. The Holly Spirit moves in mysterious ways. I’m sure that the surgeon on the side of the road was blessed that you listened to that small voice. But then there are times when we are called to be angels to others and be the instrument for a miracle! As for blind spots – we are often only aware of them once an accident has occurred….

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  8. I loved your story. I’m grateful you stopped. I’m learning to listen and follow guidance more and more. When I don’t, I sure find out! My son and I had to stop on an on ramp one time as no one else was willing to stop and help the people, they were just driving around them. So we stopped and blocked everyone so the people could get their car straightened out.

    Do you like all the stuff that comes with a new car? My car is 20 years old, and with work, still running. I’ve looked at new cars but with the auto this and that and the dashboards that look like an jumbo jet screen, it is a little intimidating 🙂

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  9. I think our journey is in learning to listen to that inner place where our hearts reside. But we must do the hard yards first so that we will appreciate that beauty when it comes tapping on our door and we finally see that it has always been there but our fears had blocked its beauty. Well done kind lady, your messenger is working well 😀 ❤️ 🙏🏽 🦋

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  10. Timely as always. I was reading today in Elizabeth Boyden Howes (paradigm shifting for sure!) about what Jesus meant when he talks about not judging, and looking at the beam in our own eyes more than the mote in someone else’s. And now this great post of yours about “blind spots” made me think about beams in our eyes like when some one neglects to turn off their high beams on the road coming towards us. This inability sometimes to slow down enough or look around or (within) enough or as you do in this parable worthy of a saint — know when it is okay to “risk” and to reach out and help someone — all of those “inabilities” can cause permanent blind spots. Thankfully our God “makes the blind to see”, if we seek first His Kingdom and perfect will and keep driving in The Way. Thanks for this. Great metaphor, parable, and once again — you encourage me there are truly good Good people like you making differences in the world. Shalom and joy in your journey, Jane

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    1. Jane, I thank you for this beautiful and humbling response. Paradigms shifts are always good for me. 😉 There seemed a time, (or maybe it was in another life?) when people didn’t hesitate to help others. There will always be risks. Not that this is the case for everyone all the time, but creating inherent dangers in our minds can be an easy way to not put any effort into helping someone. Does that make sense? There have been times I avoided a situation due to a heightened sense of uncomfortableness. And more than that, there have been times I’ve regretted not taking the time to assist someone. I’m so glad that this story is an encouragement. I feel that a majority of us just wish to be good people. And the fast drivers and doers just one day might slow down or pay attention more before they crash and need help. We’ve all been left stranded for one reason or another~who helped? That’s who I want to be. I remember you daily in my prayers, Jane, with your loss. I’m glad to know you. Love and peace to you.

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  21. Karla, your ending with the doctor wasn’t anywhere on my own radar screen. What an amazing coincidence. Sometimes there is a reason behind our actions. At the same time, I have learned my own radar functions imperfectly at times due to its own blind spots.

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  23. a terrific post; I find inspiration from a different source than you, the teachings of the Buddha but I’m sure if Jesus and the Buddha were contemporaries they would have got on famously 🙂 my current post is about the power of faith and inspiration —

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  24. Karla you are an amazing person, I was so inspired by your story, and had no idea about the “curves” this story would take! Extraordinary. And I so love the take on blind spots, that was brilliant, and something I’ll be noodling on for a while! Love and hugs to you my friend, C

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    1. C, I’ve missed you. And your comments are humbling {coming from such a wonderful person and gifted writer too!}. Thank you so much. Love and hugs to you too. I hope you and yours are all well! ❤️💛🤗

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  25. I think this is a very important part of life to be aware of. Sometimes as you say the blindspots are ones we are aware of and can do our best to mitigate. Other times we may know about these blindspots but not fully know what to do or how to manage when things are shown to us through them. It is good to turn to God in these moments.

    Thank you for this reminder to check our blindspots. 💛

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    1. Hamish, your response is full of wisdom. Sometimes it’s hard to know what to do. I always, like you said, turn to God~or what my heart pulls as that is where he resides. Even when my ego or another source tries to make me ignore it. Take care my friend. 💛

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  26. I’ve revisited this because I’m currently going through a major, intentional, calculated blindspot collision by a supposed friend at work who betrayed me to the point that my career could be affected. I am innocent, and it looks as if my reputation will hold. I was so blindsided though, although set up, I think, for weeks. I just couldn’t believe this was (is) happening, and of course, we tend to wonder what lessons God may intend. I, for one, would prefer no more tests or challenges in this life. I wrote to a loved one the other day with my list of positive takeaways. They included knowing who I am (his misperceptions surprisingly did not make me doubt myself – I would have done nothing differently at any point) and somehow still being proud of myself (he took some of my greatest personal and professional accomplishments and made them ugly). I’ve recharged even more, if that’s possible, with my passion for my students and their futures: I even saved a life, I think, in the midst of it. So I think sometimes our sensors are intentionally disabled from above… This was (is) a tough round on so many levels for me, but I am already trying to focus on how it has and can have me grow even more in my long healing journey I was already on. The hugs of true friends at work, them checking up on me after hours, and having higher-ups have my back… as a guarded person who hesitates with friendship… well, there is not-goodness out there and there is goodness. Each can take us by surprise without the warning bells. ❤

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    1. Laura, I’m saddened by someone’s intention to hurt you. My heart breaks for your hurt. And in turn, my heart beats happily hearing your passion and perseverance. What a tough situation to navigate when your career is all about shaping human hearts and minds. I’ve said prayers for you this morning. Your focus is faithful and I’m guarded, as well, I’m relationships and understand. I sometimes ignore the red flags or bells, and sometimes I never notice them. Sending you prayers, hugs, and love sister. My email is finleyriverpublishing@gmail.com love you, Laura. 💛

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