This morning, despite sunscreen and a big hat, I have the sunburn to prove that I actually spent part of my week-end watching youth sports. And just to prove that I didn't spend the ENTIRE time looking at my Nook, here are three lessons I learned:
Of course they're not okay
When someone gets hurts and collapses on the ground, we often get frightened and start asking, "Are you okay?! Are you okay?!" Since the person is on the ground, since the person is apparently in pain and not talking, since the person has just begun to take inventory of the injury, give them some time and assume that they are NOT okay.
You know why you got hurt, don't cha?
When someone is injured, why do we think it will help if we point out all the reasons they just got hurt? Can't we allow people a minute or even ten before we tell them what they did wrong (as if they don't already know.)
Sometimes parents are idiots
The woman grabbed the seat next to me and although there were people without a place to sit, she guarded that seat but didn't use it. What she did do was continue to call someone and leave voicemails. "Please come to the game. The kids want you here. We sure could use your help getting his equipment on. The game starts soon. I've got a seat for you. Please be here. Please?" She made approximately 10 calls while I unashamedly listening. She was, after all, holding a seat hostage. Eventually her kids came and gathered around her. "Where's Dad?" "Please tell me he's not sitting in the car." "I knew he'd do this again!" "He's not coming, is he?" "Why do you bother calling him?"
Then one last question from the kids, and this comment most certainly wasn't a joke.
"Dad's high again, isn't he?"
Mom gave a weak smile, but had nothing to say to her precious children. I so wish she hadn't first seen me staring at her before she looked down, her face blazing in shame.
Next week-end I'm going to leave my Nook at home, and will ask the good Lord to help me see people the way He does - less in need of my judgment and more in need of my love.
12 comments:
I hear you. I want everyone to thing like me. I have to realize they are dealing with a life I know nothing about. Only God knows....and believe me,lots of folks probably have a thing or two they'd like to say to me!
Excellent post! It's so easy to let our self-righteousness slip into gear and forget that we are all part of a fallen race in need of the Savior's love - and ours.
Unfortunately, I can identify with that woman. My kids are fine. Dad sucks still.
Those poor children. So many know way too much about the sordid things of this world!
I agree with you on all points. Those poor kids...don't you feel OVERLY blessed with your choice of a husband/father now??? me too.
sigh...
that poor family; but I have to say I would have been like you, judgmental at first; I always have to remember the plank in my eye is so much more bigger than the other person's splinter.
betty
That just breaks my heart.
ugh. The poor woman. The poor kids. What a dastardly man.
It is so hard not to jump to judgment - I try very hard to assume someone is just having a hard time of things or a bad day or whatever and not just being a royal jerk. I don't always get to find out the truth, but I get less irritated that way.
wow. I'm crushed for that poor family. Excellent post Caution!
I think this all the time and yet I'm surprised when I realize it's true, -- you never really know what is going on around each person we meet. They may look fine on the outside, but on the inside they may be dealing with so much more.
Post a Comment