I do with all my heart!
This past week, a friend was in a car accident. Someone crossed into her lane and hit her head on. It crushed the front of the car so bad, that the driver side wheel was in her lap. No joke, the wheel and axle were pushed into the driver's seat, completely destroyed the car. The first responders had to cut off the driver side, not just her door, but the side of the car to get her out.
As the conversations started that evening, as we were trying to figure out what happened, everyone’s hearts were heavy. We saw a picture or two of the car and worried what the evening and future would hold.
Everyone started asking for prayers. Praying she will recover, she will survive. It was very scary and hard not to prepare for the worst.
But… several hours later, they released her from the hospital with bruising and a warning of a possible concussion… THAT WAS A MIRACLE!
Now, let’s flip this to the other side. What about the guy that hit her?
First thoughts, we were all mad at him. We’ve never met him, have no idea who he is or what was going on with him that caused this.
Did he fall asleep at the wheel because he works two jobs to provide for his family, did he pass out for some other reason, did he have a medical issue that caused it or was he just a distracted driver? We don’t know, but I can tell you, my first thoughts were not to pray for him. The only thing I was thinking about him was why wasn’t he paying attention.
I immediately jumped to judgement. Judging him for what he might have done wrong or judging him for making a bad decision that might have put him there.
Who has never made a bad decision?
Bottom line, I don’t know what he was going through, but no matter what, he too deserves prayer too. I am challenging myself to stop judging and to see people as human. We all struggle at times during our lives, none of us can control everything (even though we try) and each of us have made a bad decision or two.
My hope is that you join me in this challenge. I hope we can all open our hearts to see others with love and compassion especially through this holiday season where stress and anxiety take control of many. Love one another because kindness cures many things in our hearts.
Sending you peace, love and joy my friend. Sam