I have my light on

If you read my recent post I got hit by a car! then you already know the story behind the title of this post. But to recap – I was recently hit by a car while riding my bike home. It was a very low speed collision and no one was hurt. My bike had some damage, but nothing major. When it happened it was after sunset and at the moment of impact my first thought was “I have my light on!” I even shouted that fact out as I pulled my bike out from under the bumper of the truck. The driver got out of his vehicle and was very shaken by the impact. I can only image what was going through his mind at the moment he hit me. But the question I find myself asking is what was going through my mind. Let me explain what I meant when I shouted “I have my light on” – I wasn’t in shock, I was upset.

I know it was dark but the street was well lit and my bike had my laptop pannier (saddle bag) that is a bright reflective yellow color on the side as well as the fact that I had the required-by-law headlight on the front handle bars. When I said “I have my light on!” what I was really saying is “How did you not see me! I’m 300lbs of mass heading your way AND I HAVE A LIGHT ON!”

For the next five minutes, the driver and I went back and forth about what happened, whether or not I was ok, and whether or not the bike was ok. I had this guys undivided attention – he was shaken and looked terrified by the whole experience. I had a real opportunity here. Did I take that moment to show the Love of Christ to this upset motorist? Did I use that wide open door to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ? I shouted “I had my light on!”

I did put my hand on the guy’s shoulder to comfort him as I said I was OK and that it was alright. I did let him leave without assaulting him with verbal obscenities. I did stop him when he reached in his pocket, presumably to offer me cash, to tell him it was OK, and that I wasn’t upset with him, and that he could leave. I didn’t tell him Jesus loved him. I didn’t tell him that God offers peace that passes all understanding. I didn’t show him the Love of Christ.

Maybe this guy was already a Christian. Maybe he has already experienced the love of Christ. Maybe he isn’t on his way to hell. Maybe…

LORD – I pray that you continue to work in me – continue to mold me – continue to change me – continue to position me in front of those who need you – and I pray that you grant me the wisdom and courage to share Your Love when you have placed me in those opportunities.