Posted in Life, mercy

Confronted by hunger, scoliosis, schitzophrenia, and an e-bike

I have a whole lot of questions about this man who crossed the intersection in front of me today.

What does he mean by a twisted spine? My quick Google search took me to websites that described scoliosis, when the spine twists or curves to one side or the other. It can cause trouble breathing as well as chronic pain.

What about schizophrenia? Although I hear that word often, Google told me that less than one percent of the population have this mental health condition. Symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, memory challenges, and decision making problems. There is medical treatment.

How much does an e-bike cost?

This appears to be a Vivi Sport e-bike available at Walmart for under $500. That’s pretty affordable. But if I had to choose between an e-bike and food, I would buy something to eat.

While I’m on the topic, why do e-bikes have pedals? I learned it is so that they are considered bicycles rather than motorcycles. They don’t have to be licensed in the same way.

I have questions for this man. Are you a veteran? Sadly, too many veterans have to wait a long time to get the treatment they need for physical and mental challenges.

How did you afford an e-bike? Where do you charge it up at night? Where do you ride your e-bike to and from?

What medical care have you found? Can you afford your medication? Are you constantly in pain?

When I find myself lacking compassion, I know I should get to know the person who is asking for and needing assistance. Maybe money isn’t their most important need at the moment.

And then maybe the most important question of all: what if that were me? What would I do in their shoes? Where would I go? Who would I ask for help?

I never seem to have as much compassion as I should when I see someone riding an e-bike with a sign like this in front of me. I jump to conclusions, harden my heart, and think like someone who doesn’t even know Jesus. It’s convicting. It drives me to repentance. And it makes me realize I still have so much to learn.

Posted in noticing

Surprised by Silence: The E-Bike Encounter

I didn’t hear him coming up behind me. I jumped as the e-bike sped by my right side, just a few feet away. Neither the motor nor the tires on the street made a sound. With no lights or reflectors, the rider disappeared into the predawn darkness.

It was early Sunday, so no one was on the way to work. No trash trucks or school busses making the rounds. No kids on electric scooters on the way to school. We turned the clocks ahead for daylight savings time, so even the sun wouldn’t be up for another hour. Who’s going to be out on a bike?

It could have been someone on their way home after a party that lasted till dawn. Or the guy who has to open up the fast food restaurant. Someone who’s car broke down? Worship team member on their way to warm-up? Couldn’t sleep, so they went for a ride?

I don’t get caught off guard like that very often. I like to think I’ve got good situational awareness. I usually notice what’s going on around me. My dog catches what I miss. She usually smells who’s coming before we catch sight of anyone. But this guy surprised both of us.

I don’t like to be surprised like that. But I do like the challenge of being more aware of what’s going on around me.