Protection

In an effort to protect ourselves from harm, we strap on seat belts and wear bike helmets. We floss our gums so our teeth won’t fall out and wear sunscreen to prevent skin cancer. We stock up, store up and plan for the days ahead. We protect our hearts from hurt; our spirits from bruising; our souls from damage. And yet, when we look beyond ourselves, the unimagined surprise is worth more than a passing glance.

So it was recently with a friend at yet another hockey game. Oblivious to the commotions around me, I stared at the jumbotron during intermission, while multi-tasking with food, drink and conversation. Suddenly, my friend leapt out of her seat and wrapped her arms around my head burying me in her protective clutch. Within a moment, she released me and startled, I asked her what was happening. It turns out that hockey pucks were being thrown into a receptive audience and she had seen one flying our way.

I wonder how often we spend so much energy looking out for ourselves that we lose opportunities to look out for others? And when the moment comes, would we instinctively jump up to protect others or would we duck and save ourselves? What can we do to prepare for those moments?

Perhaps the answer starts with each one of us. Examining our hearts and discovering what type of person we think we are or hope we can become. Then we expose vulnerable hearts in order to surround ourselves with people who show us the way and teach us how to be there for others--especially when the world is not looking.