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Recently I went through the drive-thru at a local fast food restaurant for my morning sweet tea. As I crept forward I was watching to see if the car in the other lane was ready to merge. As I paused all I could see was a woman angrily waving at me to go ahead. With only a split second to respond, I waved back, smiled, and motioned for her to go first.
It would have been easy to go ahead of her, but I knew that wouldn’t take away her anger or frustration. Instead, what I hoped was that my small gesture would somehow make her day better or lighten her mood. You see, I had no idea what her morning had been like or what issues she had already faced. It could have been any number of things–and it didn’t matter.
As I reflected on the events of that morning I realized that could have been me angrily waving her on. I could have had a bad morning or been running late to work. But thankfully it wasn’t. Instead it was comforting to know that God’s word quickly came to me, reminding me to live in peace with all people. Hebrews 12:14
It’s not always easy loving difficult people, but the pursuit of peace reminds me it is Christlike.
I’ll be praying for you.
Mitzi
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Very well written my friend and so true.
Yes!! That moment to pause before reacting has been the most important for me so that I allow the Holy Spirit to step in. When I don’t take that split second, my flesh says/does things to escalate the situation. As a teacher (and I’m sure as an admin you deal with this even more), it’s so important to pause when difficult people want a reaction out of us. It can be disarming on its own, but the HS can move powerfully in my heart and theirs in that split second if we let him. ❤️
Mitzi, what a GREAT reminder to “live in peace with all people”, and being Christlike in pursuing peace. Your message has inspired me in a profound and positive way : ) Have a blessed week, my friend. To God be the glory.