Is there more to their story...

Moments With You - August 18 included a quote that struck me when I first read it.  

When people disappoint you, be patient. There may be more going on underneath the surface than you realize.

This quote probably struck me with such force because of my lack of patience and lack of understanding in recent days and weeks.  Especially a few weeks ago on Sunday.  While stopping for a bathroom break on the way back from Concord, NC we stopped at a fast food place.  When I went into the bathroom I was immediately appalled by someone who was taking his relief in a urinal.  He was essentially turned backwards and doing the business best suited for an actual regular toilet.  The stench was terrible, the thought of someone abusing the urinal was enough to make me angry.  I thought what sense does that make, why are they doing this, don't they no better.  I thought, here is a grown adult, I could see if it were a child.  Why?

Rushing to judgment and anger I began to chastise and criticize them, in my mind, until the rest of the story unfolded.  As it turns out the man was mentally handicapped, his stomach was violently opposing him.  He was quiet ill.  As a co-worker once said, "violent and heinous" described the state of turmoil he was in.  Not to mention the fact that as I reflected on the scene all of the stalls were full.  It also turned out to be the case that truthfully - he didn't know better.  His elderly father came in to discover his mistake - his face astonished and flush with color.  Unlike my impatience and poor attitude, this father comforted his son, held his hand and assured him that it would be okay.  Then carefully the older man began the task of cleaning things up as I made my way, with great embarrassment, to my car.

Lately, I am learning and re-learning time and time again that the rest of the story can be a major difference maker. What is underneath the surface may be everything that makes the foolish seem wise, the sickening make sense, the harsh seem loving, and the cause for anger a reason to give thanks and seek peace.  No wonder Jesus said, "Do not judge..." We don't have all the facts, see all the details, comprehend all the choices, or understand completely with our limited understanding.

I am praying today, when patience is short and opportunities for anger are frequent that I will remember grace, patience, mercy, love and the truth that there is often more to the story.  As my granddaddy in Alabama says, "If you live long enough, you'll see it all from a different perspective."

May God grant us all grace and patience, and having granted our petition, may we return the same to all that we come in contact with.  Amen.



With love (& in triumph),
Cassius