I’ve stated in this blog that I’ve wanted to share some of my journey in trying to learn how to totally forgive everyone, all of the time. Today was a good example.

I was turning left at the stop light, right next to REI in Anchorage, where I was going to look at 29er mountain bikes.

I had to wait for the oncoming traffic to make the turn, but since I was first in line, I pulled partway into the street I was turning onto, as one vehicle is allowed to turn as the light changes from green to yellow, and even to red, if one has to wait that long.

Well I did have to. The last car coming my way may have even unsuccessfully tried to run the yellow light. So after he passed, I turned left from the two way road into the lane nearest me (the left lane) of the one-way.

As I turned, the motor cycle behind me leapfrogged around me (to my left in this single lane!), clearly intentionally running the red light — because he was behind me until the light turned red, fully in the road we were turning from.

I got mad. And I noticed that I was angry. Though, I didn’t say or think any bad words, nor did I silently wish anything evil towards him, I was just angry inside towards this guy who blatantly ignored the rule of law that is for our own safety, and so we can be a civil community.

But I realized it, recognizing that it’s wrong for me to get so upset. And it’s not my right to especially stay upset.

So I thought, I’m out of line here. I’m not supposed to withhold love towards a guy illegally leapfrogged me. It’s not my business to punish him in my heart by refusing to love.

I actually thought: it’s God’s job to deal with him, not mine.

And so I just let it go, dropped the bad feelings, and was going to hold the door open for the man who had also turned into REI — ahead of me : )

But he was about 25 feet behind me, so it would have seemed strange to hold the door that long….

But I did good, you all!

And I did buy a 29er. I may have even gotten a key lead as to something that will help my business!!!

This is just a tiny example, but it reminded me of a more serious situation I had encountered previously. And if I would have love that person no matter what just like I did this person….

Well, I’m sure I’ll have many more chances like this, and far more serious. And I hope to get my heart right even sooner next time, maybe not getting it out of kilter at all, from the get-go!

I’ve always liked REI. I’ve been a member since the ’70s.

Cheers!

Jeff : )

Related:

Angry? Check Your Stomach: Tour de France Example, Andy Schleck: “My STOMACH is full of anger, and I want to take my revenge.” — He later forgave Alberto Contador, but here is the point…