I was at a store looking for a pre-paid cell phone for my husband. Evidently what I wanted does not exist because the sales man was acting like I was a complete idiot for asking. While I was discussing cell phones, I was keeping an eye on my four kids who were down the aisle a little looking at some things.
Just when the man finished talking to me, and I was left to look at the options myself I heard a woman say to my kids, “Girls, you’re going to break those,” in a very stern voice. You know I don’t know why, (I would normally take this kind of thing in stride.) but it really irritated me. Maybe I was already not too happy from talking to the man. What ever the reason, I pulled a dirty look out that would rival one from my junior high years and just stared as she walked past.
As soon as she was gone it was as if someone lit up our clothes with flashing lights. Half of us were wearing T-Shirts with Bible verses on them! I was so ashamed. Whether or not the woman had any business telling my kids what to do is beside the point. I should have been gracious in my response or at the very least not behaved as a hostile. I wish I could apologize. I’d love a do over!
Yes, there are situations where a do over would be nice and this is one of them. Thankfully we can ask for forgiveness and move on. Where would we be without mistakes?
I’ve definitely been there. I was VERY rude to a lady at our local gym a couple of years ago. I was strongly convicted on my way home and vowed to apologize to her the next day. Unfortunately, I didn’t see her again for two weeks. A very long two weeks. I kept asking God to keep my heart in a place that wanted to ask for forgiveness. After a couple of weeks, it wouldn’t be abnormal for me to believe any justification my mind made up or to become desensitized to it (or to convince myself that she didn’t remember so what’s the point).
Thankfully, as soon as I saw her, I told my mom that she was there and I’d be right back (my mom knew). I walked up and told her that I was very rude to her a couple of weeks ago and wanted to tell her how sorry I was. She said, “Oh you don’t have to apologize.” I said, “Oh yes I do! I was rude and there was no reason for it.”
I’m so thankful God gave me the humility to do that (I didn’t come up with it on my own that’s for sure) because I see that lady at the gym frequently. She always smiles and says “hi”.
Oh, we have all been there!
Thankfully we all have the chance to learn from our mistakes. After all, that’s why we make them!
Years ago we got a pre-paid cell phone for a long trip across the U.S. People who don’t want to pay an arm and a leg every month for cell phone charges should be able to get a pre-paid one. Just look for an older and wiser person who works at the store.
There is such things as pre-paid cell phones. My mom had one for years! I have been their with people correcting my child, but lucky those are learning optiunities.
Sometimes it is the protecting our children that comes to mind. She was stern with them so it probably set you on the protection mode in your first instinct. It happens to the best of us!
I have so many times needed a do over 🙁 Ummm then God gives me one 🙁 LOL