Last Wednesday was a long day. I can't even remember why it was so long, other than running on about 3 hours of sleep & 2 grouchy children. I know I got nothing done other than surviving and making the house look like we got along just fine that day. Knowing very well that I crave Taco Bell with an unhealthy strong craving, my husband suggested we stop there on our way to youth group. Yes to no cooking. Heck yes to no spaghetti.
We had a wonderful family dinner. Instead of everyone starring at us and thinking 'poor parents of two wild toddlers' or 'what on earth are they doing with kids they cannot even control' we got looks and comments that said 'they are so cute', 'what sweet sisters', and 'you're so blessed'. [I love being reminded of how blessed we are].
On the way out, feeling wonderful with a belly full of 'sand & cheese', there was an elderly man who could barely walk carrying a cane, a bag of food, and a drink. (I couldn't help but wonder if this will be the great lengths I go through when I'm 80 to get Taco Bell). I motioned to Derrick that I'd get the girls if he would help this sweet lil man. Gladly Derrick offers to carry the mans drink and food and help him out to his car. He {Derrick} really can be charming. The man hesitates, then lets Derrick carry only his water. Holding the door for him the man carefully hobbles through. Going through the second door the girls whoop and holler because it's cold and 'hurry hurry, we want to go to 180!' so Derrick took his focus off the man to make sure I had an eye on both girls and the cars. Derricks foot that was holding the door wide open slips and the door crashes shut on this poor man, he hops and falls into the outside while of Taco Bell while dropping a few bomb words. (Seriously, knowing the man was fine, how is one not to laugh while watching?) Derrick rushes to make sure he doesn't fall, apologizing over and over, as the man swings his arm shooing him away. The man asks for his water back and is adamant about getting to his car alone. Derrick finally wins with a really sweet apology and walks the man to his car.
After hopping in the car and laughing hysterically at Derrick for shutting the door on the poor old man and the words that came out of the mans mouth I begin to think.
Derrick was doing such nice things for this man by helping him. He didn't have to. He had places to go, kids to chase, and a toasty warm car waiting. One wrong move and the man was no longer grateful for anything and wanted nothing to do with him.
I find myself in this position sometimes...I form opinions of people right off the bat. If they do anything different I write em off as someone else. I am a thankful person, I like to think I'm giving as well- but one time someone takes advantage of me, that person is no longer appreciative of anything I've ever done, or given, and I sure as heck wont do it again.
It's hard to see slip ups for slip ups, especially when it hurts, or it makes you look dumb. When it totally blindsides you it's easy to react by running your mouth and cutting yourself off from the person and situation. I hope to use this memory to remind me help me forgive and to be more grateful. I hope that when as I laugh with Derrick as we still talk about it, that I'm reminded how I act like a grumpy old man who just wants his Taco Bell.
No comments:
Post a Comment