All is right with the world
‘We all cut each other off’ in this life
I’m a creature of habit. Every morning I follow the same strategic driving routine. I exit my neighborhood in Lewis Point via Maypoint Road, turn right at the circle onto the Trans Canada, turn right onto North River Road, and immediately turn right into Tim Hortons. This is the most efficient route to my morning cup of java, because it avoids all traffic lights and left turns. (If you’re familiar with this location, you know how hard it can be to make the left turn into Tims, especially at rush hour)
One morning, several weeks ago, as I executed my right turn onto North River Road, a white SUV coming the other direction shot across several lanes and into the Tim’s drive-thru. Apparently, it was a last minute decision (he wasn’t even in the left hand turn lane) which would explain why he cut me off.
At this point, I would like to tell you that my initial response was grace filled. “Oh, goodie, this poor soul is going to enjoy a coffee and donut on his way to work today. I’m so happy for him.” Instead, the rage of injustice exploded within my soul. In a split second, words unsuitable to print here crossed my mind regarding this person’s intelligence, driving ability, and general unfitness to exist in a civilized world.
In the time it takes to say, “Idiot!”, I had him arrested, indicted, tried, sentenced and executed. (Sorry, the American in me lingers)
That all changed when I noticed, as I pulled in right behind him, what appeared to be the flick of a hand my direction coming from the driver. Had he just waved an apology to me? Had he just done what I have had to do many times - acknowledged he’d made a mistake and felt bad about it? Immediately I liked him. And forgave him. I’ve always been a sucker for people who can admit it when they’ve made a mistake. In my heart, I led him down from the gallows and set him free to once again walk through sunny meadows. Or whatever else he had scheduled for the day.
Then he put a knife through my self-righteous heart.
I pulled up to the window only to hear the cashier say, “The guy in front of you paid it. You’re good to go.”
“Yeah,” I shot back, still determined to defend my honor, “and do you know why he did that?” “Yup,” she said. “He said he cut you off and he wants me to tell you he’s sorry.”
To say I was stunned would be an understatement. I managed to maneuver alongside him as he waited to turn left at the exit. I mouthed “Thanks”, gave him a thumbs up, and drove on, very much feeling like the fabric of the universe had somehow just been ripped.
“He said he cut you off and he wants me to tell you he’s sorry.”
Did you know that the New Testament uses the phrase, “one another”, over 70 times? Forgive one another. Love one another. Bear with one another. Suddenly I knew why. Because we all cut each other off. Usually it’s not deliberate. We’re distracted. In a hurry. Unaware. Lost in our own little world. Blind to the presence or needs of others around us. Insensitive as to the consequences of our words or actions. Unintentional, but hurtful nonetheless.
And all able to be wiped away with an “I’m sorry” and an “I forgive you.” As I drove on to my office, I sipped my free coffee. It was exceptionally satisfying.