An elderly man was making a left turn at a busy intersection in Norfolk. He was slow and cautious making the turn, having been in some accidents in his lifetime. He knew the left turn from the busy road would be met with a bustling convenience store on his right and a shopping center entrance on his left.
Following closely behind the old man was a younger man. As he tailgated the old man, his impatience was evident to any observer in his face and actions. I can imagine the words I saw him mouthing in anger, "Why are you going so slow? I'm in a hurry! $&?!@#%^!" He gestured with his hand and his face was set in hardness.
As the short scene passed from my view, I realized I had just caught a glimpse of my own sometimes self - impatient and completely oblivious as to why the driver of the car in front of me was going so slow.
If this is also a reflection of your sometimes self, join me in this prayer: "Lord, thank you for this look into my own behavior and increase my love for others, even those I don't know, while I grow in patience. Help me to strive for an unhurried life, completely resting in your abiding love. Amen."
And remember, before we grow impatient and frustrated when things aren't going our way, it's good to remember this: things are not always as they seem.
Comments