I've had a busy week. It's the first evening I've had a moment of free time. I go for a walk. It's beautiful outside. I want to enjoy my moment alone and decompress.
As usual, the park is full of animal lovers and their dogs (aka furbabies). I would never be mean to an animal but, that doesn't mean I want to come to the park to play with yours. I really really don't! In fact, it's a little unfair I get the look of shame when you slow down, pull your dog in my direction, and I don't start making a fuss over your precious creature. Love 'em all you want but still - NO, I don't want to pet your furbaby!
It isn't only dog people that annoy me. It's the lady who is way too eager to make a new b.f.f.
It's the dude with the broken heart who sits in his swing with tears in his eyes. What?! Am i supposed ask?
It's the kid who wonders over to where I sit down, says hi, smiles, and stares at me. Baby girl, where is your Mommy? That's what I'm thinking . What if I was weirdo? Someone could hurt her. Why aren't her parents noticing she's gone and sitting by a stranger? Why?
It's the guy who won't look up from his phone and is a bit creepy. Dude, stop.
It's anything, everything, and everyone.
That's right. I said it. It was my "me" time so why are you in my space. I'm in a good mood; why can't you stay out of my space?
THEN..... I am reminded, Jesus always made time for the people in front of Him.
My whole perspective flips.
What if I had acknowledged the guy & his precious furbabies?
What if I had genuinely smiled at the lady who looked like she was in need of a friend?
What if I had spoken to the sad dude or even smiled at him?
Why couldn't I have been thankful it was me the kid found and not a weirdo. Why didn't I refrain from judging her parents for their lack of attentiveness?
What if I had smiled at the dude who was all in his phone? Maybe he's shy, maybe he lacks confidence and getting outside was big deal for him.
-----
What if I had done the thing that I tell people to do, "Treat People like People"?
It cost nothing to be kind but then I guess there are times we all feel a little spent.
Most days, I am friendly. Extra is the word my son uses to describe my friendly. "MOM, you are so extra...(insert sarcastic face)"
Other days, other days are like today and today I don't want to pet your furbaby!
I believe the world would be better if we were all genuine, nice, and decent to everyone every single day.
I will be more considerate of those around me. Kindness is important. I'm sorry, I wasn't tonight.
If you are thinking about the chick at the park who looked utterly annoyed at your presence, don't judge her too harshly. Maybe she simply loves quiet walks alone. :)
And a side note to Michele, Laurie, Shelia, & Jaime, and all my other animal loving peeps - Sorry, cut me some slack on this post. For what's it's worth, Michele's boy dog is a giant mess of chaotic hyperness but he gets me. I understand your puppy love even if I don't want to pet your furbaby. (And no, I don't want my own)
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