One day I hopped in a taxi, and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled, and waved at the guy. I mean, he was really friendly.
So I asked, "Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your
car and sent us to the hospital!" This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, The Law of the Garbage Truck.
He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.A kind answer soothes angry feelings, but harsh words stir them up.
Proverbs 15:1 (Contemporary English Version)
Always remember this garbage truck philosophy: especially when you go out shopping to Wal-Mart, the mall, Publix, etc. Living in this awesome,beautiful place doesn't always translate into awesome, beautiful people! We have an opportunity and responsibility everyday to "dump" the abundance we have in Christ on those frustrated, angry, and disappointed people we encounter. His grace, mercy, and love is so much better smelling!!
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Donna oxoxoxoxo
Sorry you have to read my entry twice. It took me 2 tries to get this response to blogging thing right! I am so proud of you, Sally, for getting with this technology thing! You rock, Sister!!
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