My husband Bob and I sat, dumbstruck, as we watched the scene play out before our eyes…

Our (not at all restful) vacation was nearing its end. After eating breakfast in a fabulous little restaurant we had discovered in a strip mall, we returned to our rental car. Directly in front of us, we watched a little thing turn into a BIG thing.

Upon returning to his car, which was parked directly across from ours, Mr. Yellow Corvette and his younger companion discovered a white Jeep parked too close to them. Much too close to allow him to open the driver’s side door. Sounds of foul language immediately filled the air…

A moment later, Mrs. White Jeep scooted into her vehicle, entering via her passenger side door, to move out of the way and make a quick exit. But upon hearing these words, now directed towards her, Mrs. Jeep exited her vehicle and walked up to Mr. Corvette. Spewing her own obscenities, she wound up and punched him in the head.

After retrieving his sunglasses, Mr. Corvette then punched Mrs. White in the head.

The vehicles did NOT make contact; the drivers did.

A crowd gathered.

Cell phones were out.

The shouting continued.

We left.

REWIND FOUR DAYS

A motorhome was parked too close to a rental car.

Our rental car.

The motorhome passenger noticed this, so the driver pulled out to find another spot…

After hiking near the visitor center of Petrified Forest National Park, we made our way back to our car in the parking lot. We were intercepted by a couple saying, “We’re so sorry. We did this.” Before I even knew what “this” was, I flagged down a park ranger who just so happened to bepassing by.

“This” turned out to be a dented driver’s door, fender, and a dangling side mirror. In the process of trying to do the right thing, the wrong thing happened. The back of their motorhome swung around and scraped the front half of our car.

The motorhome was fine.

The car, not so much.

It is in moments like this that we learn what’s inside of us.

My husband is the most patient man I know. He understands that what’s done is done, and that shouting doesn’t help anything. Having driven a motorhome himself, he also knows how easily the back end can swing around and go where you don’t want it to go.

In the hour that it took the ranger to file a police report, we chatted with the other couple. “Gina” confided she and “Dean” had prayed that whoever the car belonged to would be nice, and thanked us for our graciousness. Learning that they are Christians, I told Gina about my book “Enough,” and she bought a copy!

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. (James 1:19-20, NIV)

We left the parking lot with new friends, and sent messages back and forth as we all continued our travels.

Isn’t it interesting how things go so much better when we do it God’s way?

FAST FORWARD FOUR DAYS

I’m pretty sure Mr. Corvette and Mrs. Jeep did not become friends.

Having a front-row seat to the events in the parking lot, I can tell you Mr. Corvette was really not inconvenienced. He waited approximately ONE MINUTE before Mrs. Jeep came out to move her vehicle. If he would’ve kept quiet, she would’ve immediately left and he would’ve had access to his car.

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1, NIV)

Doing things God’s way is not only better, it also makes sense. Mrs. Jeep could’ve chosen to ignore Mr. Corvette and drive away. They both acted like they were in a hurry, yet they both chose to stay and argue. And with blows being exchanged, who knows? If one of those onlookers called the police, then they would really be inconvenienced.

Oh the difference Jesus makes!

Refrain from anger and give up your rage; do not be agitated—it can only bring harm. (Psalm 37:8, HCSB)

UPON RETURNING HOME

We turned into the shopping center to pick up a few groceries. There were three or four cars ahead of us seeking parking spots, so I opted to go left to look for one in the next row. I barely made the turn out of the driveway before stopping. A car coming from the opposite direction was now repositioning to fit into an adjacent parking spot. Perpendicular to me, as I patiently waited, she stopped. She rolled down her window and began screaming.

I did not engage.

A wise man holds his tongue; but a fool is made known at once (New Lisa Translation).

Perhaps I need to avoid parking lots for a while. . .

(My thanks to Jeff for the creative title!)