Walk In My Shoes And Sit Where I Am Seated
He should have known it was going to be one of those days when he got out of bed that Friday morning. He liked to read the paper and eat breakfast at home in the morning. Those few moments of solitude and peace were precious to him. It was his time to take a "deep breath" before the start of a hectic day. Not today. It had been a long week and a short night. He had overslept that morning and was in a rush to get out the door and on to work.
He stopped at McDonald's for coffee and a McMuffin. He thought about stopping at the drive-thru window, but the line was too long. Instead, he opted to go inside and take just a few moments to get his thoughts together. All he wanted was a few moments of peace. Not today.
Instead, he was being held hostage by three small terrorists. He guessed their ages to be about 3, 5 and 7. The word "hellions" came to mind. They were out of control - yelling, wrestling, running - doing all the things kids do when parents permit it. In this case, it was a dad who seemed oblivious to the misery being exacted on all the other patrons by his children.
Would this dad do anything to manage his kid's behavior? Apparently, not today. He could excuse the children for their behavior. After all, they were only doing what kids do when parents exercise no oversight or concern. The dad? His lack of consideration for others was more than the man could stand. It was the last straw. Another week, another day he might have ignored the whole scene. Not today.
Calmly he walked over to the dad and inquired, "Sir, are these your children?" The man looked up. "Yes." (Well what do you know! He could see and hear after all!) He continued, "Well, you should be ashamed of yourself. These children are out of control. They have made every person here miserable. And I've watched you absolutely ignore their behavior. I hate to think about what they will be like when they grow up."
The dad looked toward the ground. "Sir, you are right. I apologize and take full responsibility for my children's actions. I am their father. I am worried about their future too. Last night their mother died and I've been sitting here trying to figure out how to tell them."
"For God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Sam. 16:7b)
Today's Prayer:
"Father, forgive me when I am quick to judge. Give me patience and a kind disposition. Let me remember that my judgment is limited by what I see and know while You see and know all things."