Recently there was a misunderstanding between Maggie and a Police Officer at Starbucks.
It went a little something like this.
He gave her a sticker.
She thought it was an invitation to a career in law enforcement and call to action.
Of the citizens arrest kind.
After a long conversation about the officers intentions and the downside to making arrests on the playground… she finally understood that the sticker, was just that, a sticker.
How often these misunderstandings happen. Although as adults they are less about a sticker…
and more over a funny look…
or statement.
Can you imagine the mental energy we would save if we didn’t read into the actions or words of others?
I could reclaim a greater part of the 80s and 90s. For sure.
Gracious Living is having the confidence in ourselves and grace with others to not make more of situations. Most of the time, the funny look we get from someone else is more about something going on in his/her life and less about how they feel about our shoes.
Life is too short to spend it reading into the actions of others, especially when we have far too much to do to make the world a better place. And I’m not referring to making citizens arrests.
(wink)
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Great advice that we all could stand to be reminded of more often.
Thanks Elizabeth. It saves us so much internal turmoil!
WOW, poignant thought and what a great lead in that story was too cute! Great tip for the day thanks for passing that along!
Thanks for that tidbit! Needed that one today!
Mindy,
As usual, you are able to give a lesson in good manners wrapped in charm and grace. Thank you!
Wendy thanks for the very sweet comment! Your words always mean so much. Kate, I love having you stop by and so happy we could share a needed tidbit! It’s a good reminder for me too!
Mindy, my wife (Wendy) sent your link to me and thought I’d find it interesting. I did. So much so, I may use it as the starting point for a topic on my radio program. It’s a good reminder for everyone - young, old, bosses, employees, teachers, students… I would call your piece the universal “You Lookin’ at Me?”
Christopher, Please keep me posted if you do use it as a starting point for your radio show… I think we all find ourselves in situations now and then when we think… “You lookin’ at me?!” Thanks for leaving a comment, and please keep me posted.
My friend Jennifer (2nd city soiree) turned me onto your site. I really love this post. As a mom of six I can appreciate those teaching moments our children give us. Thanks for sharing!