Rushing from the store to arrive at a child’s birthday party
Experiencing increasing frustration at the car in front of me:
Clearly not paying attention, stalling for no reason, braking suddenly
I muttered – under my breath – as my son was in the back seat.
The car continued in our same direction
My anger continued rising
As my hand hovered over the horn
A large truck pulled in from the intersecting street
The driver in question suddenly stopped –
Now frustration and confusion mounted in my chest
WHAT ON EARTH IS GOING ON?
The driver’s door opened and out came a young girl
Her face was panicked, tears in her eyes, hands on her head.
From the passenger side came what appeared to be her mother
She sheepishly waved at me as she ushered the teenage girl to switch places.
As the scene sunk in with me, so did some humility.
Because I had no context, I had no compassion.
Because I had not tried to imagine what the driver was experiencing
I got angry.
This was simply a mother trying to teach her daughter to drive.
Things had not gone as planned, and Mom needed to step in.
I’ve wondered about other times I have gotten angry
Without thinking of what the other person may be experiencing.
It’s a lesson that has stuck with me since this incident last week
I pray it will continue to teach me.
Kacie B. Sharpe 