On Thanksgiving my mom gave each of us an assignment for the month - complete one random act of kindness. And so this month I have been concentrating, more than ever, on being kind. Little did I know, the random act of kindness that would be most impact my heart would be directed toward ME in a most unexpected way.
Yesterday a good friend and I drove to SD to deliver some Christmas dinner baskets. We had a great time chatting and sharing our hearts while we drove. While I had doubted that I really had the time for this trip, it was a delight.
Until the last few blocks anyway. . .
When we were only a few blocks from my friends drop-off point, the tone of the day changed.
She was directing me, I was a bit confused. My focus left the road and went to her so I could better understand what she was trying to convey. And suddenly she was saying, "Oh no! Red light! I'm sorry! Oh noooooo!"
And I was braking and steering and doing my best to avoid a nasty crash with a cute little red car.
Crash we did.
Thankfully it was low speed and no one was hurt.
In fact my car has very, very minimal damage.
The other lady's car looked pretty good at first glance - but somehow she had no steering so her car had to be towed.
I can not even describe how terrible I felt (and feel). I totally messed up. And I drove my car home. I was barely inconvenienced.
She is out a car, until repairs can be made.
UGH!!!!!!!!!
Her response to all of this was the picture of Christ.
When we got out of our cars, she walked right up to me and gave ME a hug. I apologized and apologized. She said, "Oh girl. It is just a car."
I texted her this afternoon to make sure she was doing OK and that the insurance companies have been treating her well. And her response was all kindness, forgiveness, and grace.
I keep marveling over her kindness. And at my response to it.
I am in awe. I am so grateful. And yet I keep wanting to do something to deserve it.
It is undeserved. I messes up. I caused her stress and inconvenience.
And she has chosen to love.
It has been a beautiful example to me of the way Jesus loves me. And it I keep telling myself to accept her kindness, forgive myself, and love others as Carolyn has loved me.
Who would have guessed that the best sermon I have heard this Christmas season came in just a few words from a sweet lady that I wronged?
