It’s like tripping someone before they go over the cliff.
I heard Dave Ramer use this expression last night and thought it was an interesting one. After all, no one likes to be tripped and fall face down in the dirt, but on the flip side, it’s a far better thing than plunging to a certain death.
During the course of my adult life, I have had many conversations with those younger than me — imparting the “vast wisdom” of my foolish financial decisions, practical living thoughts, and general common sense. Sometimes they listen, and other times I hear their tales of financial woe, or the sad story of a bad choice. That’s a part of maturing and growing considering I have been in that same position so many times. I am grateful now for those who gave me wise counsel in my impetuous younger days — who literally tripped me and kept me from going over a cliff a few times. Sometimes it’s a warning and not an actual trip, but I think the principle is the same.
Once upon a time, I was a naive country boy from the woods of upstate NY wandering around Manhattan by myself. I stood in awe of all the tall buildings, bright lights, and wild billboards of Times Square. I crossed the street and encountered a guy who said he needed some money. Me, being a generally kindhearted guy, said, “Oh I don’t have any cash on me, otherwise I would.” The guy said, “There’s an ATM in the Marriott Hotel lobby right here.” So for some reason, I thought that this was a great idea. “Well sure! I can do that!” I know. Naive. He was a fast talker and as we walked through the hotel lobby, he convinced me to get $20 out of the ATM. We had to cross a section where valet parking would bring the cars inside a glass walled area. The lobby continued on the other side. As I walked through that area toward the ATM with this dude close talking to me, I happened to glance over at a parked limo. The driver was an older black guy with a trim white beard and was standing next to the car with his arms crossed on the roof. He caught my eye and looked straight at me and shook his head no. In that moment I knew that all of this was not a wise idea in any way. I immediately turned to the guy and said, “I gotta go.” And I bolted back out the door. Didn’t see the driver again as I hurried through, but I have never forgotten that moment when that once glance was like the trip that kept me from falling over a cliff. I still have gratitude toward than gentlemen when I think about that moment. To me it was a noble act, regardless of how small it might seem.
I believe that we experience the Divine in encounters like this as we walk the paths of life. We encounter people who speak truth, life, hope, and wisdom to us and keep us from going over a cliff. Those timely moments — no matter how small or insignificant that might seem at the time — can make a tremendous difference. I’m sure everyone has a story they could share. So as we all travel on the journey, pay attention to your instincts and perceptions, but pay close attention to the guidance of the Spirit in you. When you are connected on a deep level with the Divine, you will overflow with such love and kindness for each other that you are able to discern and share truth that can keep someone from falling.
“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” — Philippians 1:9-10