Inside the car window

Earlier this week I was rushing to cross the street when I saw a car cross into the other lane to hurriedly make left turn.  He had the nerve to cut off my chance to catch the light.  It was about to go DOWN.

That was, until I saw an IV bag hanging in the back seat.  And my sense of entitlement instantly wore off.

In that split second, I realized this person was probably running to get their child to a procedure.  Or to make it on time to an appointment.  Or they weren’t running late at all, but at the time, obeying traffic laws wasn’t foremost on their mind.  

Once I looked past the surface, it didn’t really matter what the reason was, the solution was to yield.  Because in that moment, I could yield.  My meeting could wait.  They could not. 

I guess I should mention that I happened to be in the Children’s Hospital area.  I’m there often. So you would think I’m always in tune to the fact that people are fighting incredible battles.  As a heart mom, I should know that sometimes following the rules is that extra mile you just can’t take.  But even I forget.  Sometimes I'm too wrapped up in myself that I'm oblivious to what is going on around me.

And honestly, sometimes I am dealing with something that doesn't allow me to be present.  But in that particular moment, I could afford a little kindness.  

It made me think about how much greater life could be if we gave way to others during those times when we could. 

Hey, I’m not saying your problems are less than everyone else’s.  They’re yours and they are real.  And maybe today you are that person who could use compassion and understanding.

But maybe today you’re ok.  You woke up healthy, albeit maybe a little late for work.  And you kissed your children on your way out, then enjoyed your pumpkin spice coffee.

Now you can afford to be a little extra nice to that person who cut you off.  Because that person might just be facing something greater that you can’t see from outside the car window. 

Sometimes, a little kindness can make a world of difference to someone who is struggling not to fall apart.

And someday, we might just be able to find a little kindness granted to us when we need it most.