Bubble of Light

I sat in a coffee shop this week getting acquainted with someone, and he told me the most inspiring story. A number of years ago he worked as a computer programmer. At one point in his career his job required him to work in Jose, California, but he and his wife had a home in Oregon they decided to keep. During the two-year work assignment in California, he and his wife would make the drive up I-5 at least once a month. Many times they would cut over and take I-80 to shorten the drive.

On one of these many trips from California to Oregon the couple was driving up I-5 and going about 80 miles an hour when they made their routine cut over to I-80. The road was not heavily traveled, so my new friend maintained his speed. There weren’t any cars in front of him, and he could see only very dim light behind. Shortly after starting down I-80, a bright light appeared from above that illuminated the road in front of my friend. As he continued his drive he commented to his wife how great the light was. It was so bright and made the drive much easier since he could see just the right amount in front and down the road. The light was targeted on him and a short distance in front. After a little while his wife commented that she thought the light was coming from a helicopter. Sure enough, that’s what it was. They both agreed it was a signal to slow down and drive at the posted speed, which was 55 mph. They arrived home safely and didn’t think any more about the experience.

My friend has since retired from his job and currently works with homeless and displaced individuals. Initially there was much struggle and turmoil. Recently, however, his efforts and endeavors are beginning to fall into place almost effortlessly. He reflected on his experience with the light from above and realized that when he paid attention to the “light” in front of him and followed it, things began to happen. He could not see what was behind; he could only see what was present and just far enough down the road necessary to take the next steps. He could not see the conclusion but knew if he followed the light it would take him along the appropriate path. If he digressed the light would dim or go out, and if he slowed down the same would happen. He refers to this as his “bubble of light.”

Are you paying attention to your “bubble of light?” Where is it leading you? Do you worry about not being able to see the whole picture? What would happen if you just trusted and followed your “bubble of light?”

Janie Selby is a Certified Professional Coach. You can email her at jselby@grace-assoc.com or visit her website here.