Of all days…

On this particular afternoon, I was in a hurry to get home from work. (Actually, that describes most days.) This time, I wasn’t feeling well so it intensified the feeling.

I pulled out of the parking garage at work, only to see an 18 wheeler completely blocking the street. This truck was trying to back into a loading dock area.

I’ve seen them do it before in just one try but this guy was having a tough time. He would go forward, then reverse back. Then, he’d do it again and end up on the curb. It seemed like he was having to inch his way into that spot.

My initial reaction was “Oh, come on…”. Thankfully, it was just in my head and not via the horn.

After at least 10 attempts, the truck driver finally made it.

Just as my patience had really worn thin, I remembered something that just happened this past weekend…and it changed my perspective: My 15 year old nephew drove for the first time.

There had been parking lot practices but this was the real deal. I sat (and prayed) in the backseat while my husband instructed him from the front passenger seat. I watched as other cars joined us on the road and hoped they would give him plenty of room.

Thankfully, he did well and we all made it back home safely.

When I finally got to leave work that day and passed by the truck driver, I saw that he was a young man…and I was immediately reminded of my nephew.

It’s easy to get frustrated with people when we see them for what they are doing instead of who they are. When I worked as a case manager and had to call patients, I finally understood what telemarketers deal with. My husband worked in sales so that changed how I saw the reps that came by our office. And now that my nephews are driving, I wouldn’t want people honking at them.

We all know the Golden Rule but we should also keep this in mind…

Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

That telemarketer calling you during dinner, the salesman knocking at your door or the truck driver blocking your way is someone else’s spouse, child or nephew. How would you want your loved one to be treated? Treat them like that.

And if you live in the North Texas area, clothe yourself with your seatbelt too and watch out for a new driver.

~Anu