9/19/09

Love my enemies, seriously God?

I am probably bragging when I say this, but I obeyed a verse today: "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). It was kinda hard.

It was even more difficult for my chivalrous husband. My sweet, Christian, even-tempered husband becomes Hulk-like in nature when his wife or daughter are insulted or in harm's way. "You won't like me when I'm angry."

Here's what happened:

We stopped at Habanero's for some tasty breakfast burritos. Scott decided to also run into the doughnut shop next door while Liv and I sat in the car. A man driving a black, Chevy SS truck pulls into the two parking spaces to the left of us, partially blocking our car. I thought out loud, "Seriously, dude??!!" I glared at him in disbelief.

I could tell by the way he walked that he was full of himself, cocky. He was middle-aged, my dad's age, I thought.

When Scott returned to the car, I boldly walked into the restaurant and tapped him on the shoulder, "Excuse me, but I'm guessing you parked that way so no one would hit your truck, but I can't back out." Sweet and calm.

"What are you gonna do, write me a ticket?" Cocky.

"No, but I just wanted you to know that it's really inconsiderate." Still sweet.

"I don't give a s%*! what you think."

With shocked, appalled look in my eyes: "Well, I hope that makes you feel better to speak to me that way!"

"It does. I am having a great day now."

I walked away. Everyone around us in the small restaurant was appalled by his behavior. At least I think/hope they were rooting for me.

I told my husband to slowly, carefully back out.

"Do I need to go in there and punch him in the face? What did he say?"

"I'll tell you when we get on the road." Because I knew better..."You know that verse about loving enemies? I think we need to pray for him..."

Here is my prayer: "Dear God, please make that man have a heart attack."

Is that mean? Is that wrong? Rhetorical. I know the answers are yes and yes. I'm sure that man must have had a terrible upbringing to act that way and what's worse is he is destined for an eternal, fiery hell. So we all prayed a real prayer for him, and forgave him and tried extremely hard to let it go...

2 comments:

  1. wow! that's difficult! YOu handled that so well! You're my hero!!! God bless that guy, whatever his deal is!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I find it humorous that you're willing to confront someone as obnoxious and disagreeable as that, but you're not willing to ask for an upgrade on our hotel room. You're so funny! Great article.

    ReplyDelete