~Day 2~
This story, posted by a friend of mine, is the story that prompted me to look for more good deeds.
Most of the time we like to retaliate. Repay unkindness with some other type of unkindness. This isn’t the way we are called to live. This isn’t the way that makes us happy. This isn’t the way we find peace and joy.
I tell my kids,
Be nice.
Over and over again. Sometimes, it isn’t that simple. Sometimes, it takes making a decision that feels quite unnatural.
Sometimes, it takes hearing a story about someone who made the right decision… and deciding to be more like him.
And, in the end, more like Him…
Here is my friend’s story.
I just had an interesting experience at Starbucks. The drive through is set up in such a way that you can enter two ways. It is customary to take turns approaching the order area. Anyway, I waited my turn and could tell the next car in line didn’t want to wait. They quickly cut me off. I gave the two college-aged boys a what’s going on expression and asked them to roll down their window. They proceeded to cuss me out and say it was their turn and they had been there 10 minutes. Well, this is not the first time someone has done this to me this week, and I’ve had enough with people. So, I seriously considered getting out of my truck, pulling the guy out of his car, and breaking his face (sorry mom). But the thought of going to jail and leaving my wife with 5 kids over Labor Day stopped me.
Just then I seriously thought what would Jesus do. So, I let them go ahead of me and when I placed my order I told the lady I wanted to pay for their coffees, too. I could tell they were stunned when they pulled up to the window. I hope that made a bigger impact on their lives, and maybe taught them a little about courtesy and how to treat others. Hopefully they will remember this long after they would have forgotten their broken noses.
Yes. I want to be more like this.
Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
