By Sharon Czerwien
Recently, while driving to church, a car randomly stopped in the main driving lane of a busy road. My husband was out of town, and it was just me driving my kiddos. I was not happy when the car stopped suddenly. I thought to myself: what in the world are they doing!!?? I can’t have someone slamming into the back of my van when my husband is out of town! (Plus, the driver didn’t even turn on his flashers until many seconds after fully stopping.) I allllllllmost honked! After all, that person deserved to know they were in the wrong, right!?
Aaaah, was I quickly humbled, though, when I saw the driver get out of that stopped car and move a stray CAR DOOR from the middle of our lane. My goodness, that driver was grace in my life! What if he had not been there first? What if I had been unable to swerve in time, or what if my swerving caused an accident, making me the “at-fault” driver? (Plus, just as I am typing this, I realize I was too frustrated with the driver—and worrying about when to honk—that I did not use my flashers while stopped either! Yikes, I guess I am not the world’s best driver either!)
What is my point, in between my ranting and raving!?
Kindness…simple kindness and grace. I was lacking in these areas on that particular Sunday morning! We have all heard the idea of walking in someone else’s shoes. I really needed to be willing to drive a mile in that man’s car! (Goofy, I know.)
Why was I quick to assume the worst in that driver’s motivation for stopping? Why is it easy for me to be kind in some situations, yet not at all gracious in others?
I really was humbled that day. I had to reflect on a verse in Ephesians that I try to press into my children’s heart (yet, I failed to apply that day!)…
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32, NKJV).
Take care, and may your attitude be good, even if the drive is bad!
~Sharon