I stopped by Arby’s today to pick up some lunch for Chad and I. The line was slow, the wait was long, and people were growing more and more irritated. I’m not exactly sure why, but when people around me get impatient, I tend to get more patient and smile at them. It probably bugs them. But I remembered something Pastor Stan says regularly: when there’s a fire, you can either throw a bucket of gasoline or a bucket of water on it. There was a fire in the Arby’s line, and most people were getting refills of gasoline. One man kept shaking his head at everyone else, passing them a bucket of gasoline. But when he looked at me I just smiled. When that young gentleman behind the counter handed me my food, I thanked him. I had water and plenty of it.
I realize this could sound like I’m bragging, please don’t misunderstand my point here. A seed was planted in my brain to have a bucket of water handy at all times. Sometimes I succeed, sometimes I do not. Just ask Chad when I’m driving behind someone going even one mile under the speed limit. Or exactly the speed limit. Anyway… When we are in these situations, or many other situations in life where there is an emotional fire building, we have a choice. We always have a choice. Water or gasoline?
Today, I decided waiting a few more minutes wasn’t worth possibly damaging my dignity. Besides, I was just going home to three fevery kids anyway 🙂
We experienced a lot of this at the airport – with delayed flights – and lots of gasoline being poured over the fires… Josh and I smiled a lot. 🙂 Another thought that came to my mind as I was reading this post – What about days (as Mommies) when it feels as if we're moving throughout our days dealing with one fire after another? Will we respond with gasoline or try some water? (I've realized water is much more effective) 🙂