Parking locally is a dangerous occupation. Having squeezed myself (or rather my car ) into a tight spot I was sitting in the car waiting for my daughter when another car squeezed in beside me. This man was not happy with the parking and given we were all so close he had to limbo dance his way out of the driver's seat , but not before he had thrust open his door into my car and made it clear how angry he was. Now feathers were definately ruffled and I rolled down the window to add my thoughts to the matter.

 

As he walked away I confess I was not turning the other cheek or loving my neighbour, but then the most extraordinary thing happened. He appeared again at my window apologised beautifully and explained he was stressed as he was on his way for root canal treatment. That changed everything... I completely sympathised with him and suddenly the parking no longer mattered.

 

Whoever he was I hope the treatment went well, and I will be more careful about my parking in future, but the real lesson here is that by being willing to apologise, and by entering a dialogue all anger and frustration was eliminated and suddenly we were on common ground. Its a valuable lesson and I thank my new friend for it.

 

"You're blessed when you show people how to co-operate instead of compete or fight.That's when you discover who you really are and your place in God's family." Matthew 5 vs 9 The Message