This morning I was reminded of something so simple, yet something with the potential to makes someone’s day, change their life, or both.
I was driving to work at around 7:30am, and as I neared the simple left turn onto the main (South) road which would lead me to work, the regular mass of traffic accrued. After waiting a short while, watching the accumulation of cars in front of me crawl at turtle-speed, a lady slowed her vehicle and signalled for me to jump in front of her. I gave the obligatory wave of thanks, before turning left to join the sluggish traffic. At least I was again on my way...
A few hundred metres down the road (and a short-time later), I noticed a car to my left, wanting to also join the herd. I was in the same position as the woman who let me in... and I had a choice. I decided to hold up a bit, and wave this guy on as he turned in front of me.
Down the road, another short time later... the guy who turned in front of me was in the same position as me, and the previous woman before me. As I’d already boosted past in the next lane at this stage (there was a safe, rare gap, okay?), I watched in my rear vision mirror to see whether he’d let the person on his left, in – he did.
I sort of smiled as I thought and wondered how different we could make our world if we passed on the blessings that are given to us. Much like the movie ‘Pay it Forward’ (which I struggle to watch because the kid was in the Sixth Sense and that’s all I think about when he acts now), we have the opportunity to pass things onto others – and it can start with something as simple as letting someone turn in front of you as you’re all driving to work. Perhaps you could smile? Perhaps that smile will be passed down the chain to someone who’s depressed, or someone who really needs something simple (even from a stranger) to brighten their day? Perhaps giving isn’t as hard as we make it out to be.
As you are given opportunities to bless someone in your day, may you take that opportunity... and may you use it. Perhaps one day, you’ll be the one who needs it on the other end. While I want to stop there... I also want to remind you that perhaps you won’t (be the one on the other end)... so don’t give to receive... but be thankful if you do.
