To That Rude Person...

Yes, you know the one.  The person who changes lanes while driving, but never looks first.  The one who speeds past you just to cut you off and slow down.  The individual that doesn't even pay attention and walks into or doesn't hold the door open, even though you are right behind them!  It drives me crazy.

But should it?

While travelling the country with a improv Christian drama team, we would go to MANY gas stations.  On one occasion, I was walking to the door of a gas station for my regular dose of Dr. Pepper and Pepperoni Pizza Combos.  This lady, clearly not paying attention to anything around her, walks right into me and doesn't even acknowledge what happened.  So I, in my merciless gifting, shouted at her in the nicest way possible, "No, no....EXCUSE ME!".

You could imagine what happened next, right?  A flip of a certain finger, a cold look, or just continued indifference?  No, she turned around and as gently as possible, she apologized.  She said, "I am so sorry, I was reading my bible earlier and this verse is really consuming my thoughts.  I really am so sorry.".

Um, huh?  I mean, yeah ok.  Wait, no I am sorry....right?

The real problem wasn't the fact she wasn't paying attention, or that she was meditating on the bible so much that it consumed her focus.  The problem was mine.  I realized two things in that moment, well maybe three things.

1.  I had never been that consumed by something that God has spoken or that I have read.
2.  I had no reason to be offended, but I took offense.  Can you imagine never being offended?
3.  Maybe I should get a Cherry Frosted Pop Tart instead of the Combos because it was the morning.

People will at some point be rude, but you don't have to take it.  No I don't mean punch them in the jugular, but MAYBE take a second and think:  Is it worth losing my joy and outlook on my day?  Could I possibly make a difference instead of proving a point?

I still blow it all the time.  But every now and then, I ace this and it makes me realize that all I have to say to that rude person is....a quiet prayer for God to overwhelmingly bless them.