Both of the beliefs came up today.
I posted this on my social media account just in June, let me just copy/paste it here:
I actually look forward to long lines, stuck in traffic, having situations happen that alter my plans for the day. Why? Because I like to see how positive I react to them lately! :) I like NOT getting upset or frustrated over stuff I can't control. I like being tested to see how far I've come to not get frustrated and ticked off over things that used to piss me off. I like being the one who smiles at the cashier and thanks them working, when everyone else in line is upset. I like realizing I'm okay with the crappy driver in front of me, and not let it ruin my day. I like that I don't overreact over bad customers at stores, or crappy people on the phone. It definitely makes for a less stressful day when I am less stressed.
Today, this was tested. I sneezed on the way to work. So what, right? I was then held up driving into the parking garage because some guy sat there for 5 minutes trying to get in. He eventually backed up, but almost hit me, as I honked my horn to let him know I was still behind him waiting for his action, but not to where he'd hit me trying to get out of the way lol.
As I got out of my car in the parking garage, I noticed snot was on the front of my shirt from that cute sneeze earlier. REALLY? I have dinner plans tonight and was hopeful I could get it off with water.
Walking directly to the bathroom, sure the snot came off (whew) but the napkin I used in the bathroom left little white specks on the top of my left boob on my shirt. Will this be a great dinner conversation with Dr. Belfi?
I then saw a contentious email at work as I started to go through my inbox, but did not yet reply yet (leadership rule 101 - wait to reply when upset).
I then tried to activate a new phone I received. I called Sprint three frustrating times with no successful activation. I was finally told I need to go to a Sprint store. Because I have dinner plans, I couldn't wait to go after work. Further, I was instructed to call Dr. Belfi to let her know I was at her place to escort me to the dining room, so I needed my phone to be working before this 5pm dinner.
So, I hastily, with frustration, grabbed my purse, old phone, new phone, stained shirt, and went to the Sprint store. I hit every light. Well, of course! I even had to wait at one point for some big truck to lower his load before he could move out of the way for us to pass.
At this point, I'm laughing as all these hiccups keep coming at me, but inside I am PISSED I'm having to go the Sprint store and take off from work to try and get my phone activated/working.
I had already told myself, "Well, at least there's a Chic Fil A nearby and I can grab that before heading back to work."
I also prepared and told myself to smile when I walked into the Sprint store. Don't be mad, Melinda, just be nice. Even though I'm pissed doesn't mean I need to take it out on the innocent guy trying to work today. I even said a little prayer to God, asking for calmness (and for my phone to get fixed easily).
As I walked in all nice and calm, I smiled and explained my issues. He did some magic and the phone was activated in 5 minutes! I could not believe it! If I could have hugged the stranger, I would have! But in this #metoo atmosphere, I just gave a happy handshake.
I was ecstatic!
I then drove to Chic Fil A. As I'm trying to drive to the line for the drive thru, I see a guy in the middle of the VERY large parking lot with a cane. He looked around, walked a little, stopped, and then looked around again, and then slowly walked past the back of my car.
I played with my newly, finally activated phone, made a nail apt, sent a test text to a coworker, ordered my food, paid, grabbed my food and started to drive from Chic Fil A. And there was the blind man still. He maybe got 10 feet from where I saw him before. And he was still kinda looking, then walking a bit, then turning, then walking a bit then stopping.
As I watched this from my now-stopped my car, I thought about how I could help and what I could do. Could I walk with him, direct him in a certain direction? He was obviously lost and confused, and being blind was not helping.
I drove up next to him, asked him where he was trying to go. "Wells Fargo, next to Chic Fil A," he said very matter of factly.
I turned around in my car seat and sure enough - there was Wells Fargo about half a mile away. I thought about "our" options for only a few seconds, then told him, "Why don't you get in the car, I'll drive you over."
He found my car with his hands and used it as a guide til he reach all the way around my car to the passenger side door and got in. He was very thankful for the ride and I asked him jokingly but kinda serious, "You're not a murderer are you?" Realizing the question would have had bad timing if he was, lol, since he was now already in the car.
He had a backpack on, was an older black gentlemen in his mid 50s, dressed casually. As he shortened his cane, he thanked me again for the help.
I then drove him to Wells Fargo. I asked him where he was coming from, "my house on Carroll street," he replies. Oh dear, even though that's only a block or two away, how would he get home if he got lost coming here?
I asked, "Are you gong to be able to make it home okay?"
"Oh yes, I walked here and back just last week."
I pulled in front of Wells Fargo and parked, told him we were there. He asked, "are we right in front of Wells Fargo?" trying to get his barring.
"Oh, I'm going to help you in," I respond.
I walked to his side of the car, I grabbed his hand that wasn't holding the cane - "is this okay?" I asked. He said, "It's easier if you lead me with my hand on your shoulder."
Ah, yes, I can envision people walking together like this, helping a blind friend.
I then walked him through the doors and described every turn or door or step and I lead him to the counter.
I then told him to have a good day and he thanked me again.
I knew as I was driving away that I was not meant to go to the Sprint store, I was meant to help this man find his way.
Everything happens for a reason.
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