Permission To Think

I wanted to share with you all an event that happened recently that made me smile. I was driving down Chapman Ave., on my way to work. The car in front of me started to change lanes to the right, completely oblivious of a car in the exact spot it was headed. The car honked, and the oblivious guy shot back into our lane.

At this point we had gotten ahead of the car that almost got hit, and I was thinking, oh man, when these two cars pass each other, this guy is going to flip him off big time. To my surprise, the motorist simply gave a friendly wave.

This made me really happy. This guy knew that the other car hadn’t done this on purpose. And, in fact, probably knew that we’ve all had close calls like that before, and not because we’re bad drivers, it just happens. This driver was wise enough to know that there was nothing to be gained by flipping the other guy off.

When we’re young, we’re taught forgiveness. Over time, we lose this ability, and start to hold grudges. But doing this has never helped any situation. If we can’t trust that people are ultimately good, and thus worthy of second chances, then why bother with creating friendships with anyone to begin with?

This man made me smile. His quick reaction of forgiveness gives me hope for the rest of us.