A few days ago, had to make a huge decision.
It was particularly hard because it happened in the church parking lot. Someone bumped my brand new car. And when I say brand new, I mean it still had the brand new car smell!
I was on my way to pick my car up when I noticed people around it. My heart dropped and I literally was speechless. My initial reaction was to get extremely angry.
I had a look. Turns out someone from church didn’t see my car and reversed into me.
My first thought was that mine was the only car in the entire parking lot – how could the driver not see it! My second thought was to ask why this person was even driving. Let’s just say I was a lot calmer than my insides were. I began to have a chat with this person, and we kind of figured things out. I went home and had a sleepless night because I was so bummed that my brand new car was now not so new!
Accidents happen, though.
I woke up the next morning still feeling terrible, but I realised something: This whole situation could have been handled a lot differently. It was like something in me was helping me to calm down. Maybe it was self-control? Love for people? I’m not sure.
Long story short, I’m not sure how I stayed so calm – but what I do know is that being a good person isn’t about reacting to your emotions, but controlling them to work things out healthily.
It’s not an easy thing to do – it’s easier to lose control – but your emotions determine your tomorrow. Don’t just react; rather act in a way that’s helpful, and that doesn’t make the situation worse.
God Speed.