Hanging By A Moment

What happens when a moment of decision passes without us knowing it? Can that really happen? More to the point, would God let that happen?

I just had the chance to be there for one of my friends in what could have been a time of need, but I didn't take it. Ordinarily, I know when moments like that come because there's a nagging in my gut (i.e., the Holy Spirit) letting me know that I'm at a crossroads of decision. Usually, I get some clarity on what the right decision is and an urging to choose the right option, or at least to make some decision. I'd like to say I always go with the right option, but it's kind of a crap shoot.

This situation was a different animal altogether. As in other moments like this, I didn't know there was a decision to make. So, I did nothing. After a couple of minutes, I thought "Darnit, that might have been important." Then regret set in. Of all of the things that I regret in my life, the majority are moments like this.

But what happens in these moments, spiritually speaking? Is the Spirit speaking as it always does and I just can't hear it? Are these just non-events and I'm not hearing anything because there's nothing to hear? Is the Spirit silent because God is taking off the training wheels and expecting me in my maturity to recognize the moments and the correct choices that He is usually so careful to point out? Is the Spirit silent because I'm not supposed to do anything and He knows if He even mentions that there's a decision to make I'll jump into action and screw it up? Is the remorseful aftertaste conviction or condemnation?

Alas, so few definitive answers, so little time.