Save Us from Ourselves

Today seemed like a good day to check with Strong about the status of my account. Since I was planning to be in the area anyway, it would save me a trip. I pulled up to the front circle and climbed out of the car. Some woman was angrily yelling at one of the valets. She didn't like his attitude. She demanded satisfaction and apology - the litany went on and on. All the other valets ran. Who wants to bear the brunt of someone's hostility? I couldn't imagine what the poor man had done.

I too was relieved to go inside and escape the rantings of a lunatic. I headed down the hall to the familiar office. I had no sooner checked in than the same angry yelling woman entered, approached the receptionist, brushing aside some timid woman waiting patiently at the proper place, and began insisting that she be helped. The receptionist smiled, acknowledged her request, and told her politely that she would assist her as soon as she had helped the next person in line.

Angry woman wouldn't brook such insolence. She kept repeating "Look, I just need one question answered" as if somehow that were justification for her jumping line. The receptionist again answered politely and tactfully, directing her to step aside while she helped the other person. But angry woman would have none of it. She bellowed and blathered and sputtered to no avail. Everyone within the sound of her voice looked away, wishing the crazy woman would disappear. Me too. Go away and be grumpy somewhere else. Don't drag us all into your discontent.

Her bullying did her no good. She was helped in turn, then sat in the waiting area along with the rest of us who all looked anywhere but at her, not wanting to get sucked into some inane conversation about what ever her issues were. In my childhood, we would have said, "Who peed in your corn flakes?"

The next counselor entered the waiting area and looked around. Angry woman stood up and headed toward her. The counselor nodded at her, touched my shoulder and said, "Come with me." We disappeared into the consultation room before angry woman could utter a single word. Hah! They must be used to brow beaters and bullies here. Good strategy.

When I left, angry woman was pacing in the waiting area alone. Everyone else was being helped. Good, I thought, and then was immediately ashamed of myself. What if she has been abused and treated badly herself? What if her behavior is a reaction to a truly troubled life? I know nothing of her circumstances, her burdens. Maybe she had to leave a small child unattended in her car or some other pressing situation was driving her hurry?

As I wandered down the hall back toward my car, I debated whether to turn around and just ask her what was troubling her. I am sure it would be like lancing a boil and I would probably be inundated with a litany of woes and troubles. Maybe if she could spit them out, she would treat others better. No, this is not my responsibility. But I can have compassion for someone so distraught that they lash out at everyone around them. I certainly can pray for the love of Christ to touch her, that she not be so alone against the world.

And not just that she needs God, but that I too need his grace and compassion to better bless those around me who are hurting - or at least recognize them instead of react to them! Lord, save me from my arrogance and unkindness.