Every time I read an article or hear a person start a sentence with…”there are two different kinds of people in the world,” I want to say, no, you couldn’t possibly categorize the entire world population into two groups.
Take mushrooms, for example. Just when you think you could classify people as either lovers or haters of all things fungi- there are middle-of-the-road freaks. “I can take them or leave them. I mean, if they’re in a dish, I’ll eat them.” (That may be a direct quote from my husband, but let’s not tell him about the “freak” remark).
I’ve always been interested in the way people react after an accident has happened. Granted, the kind of accident is always part of the equation. Spilled milk has a very different connotation than an auto accident.
It seems foolish to have expectations of an accident-free existence, but I think that’s part of the reason people can get more upset than others- the notion that days should pass without any hiccups.
When you reach a certain point in your life, you’ve experienced enough unforeseen circumstances, inconveniences, change of plans, etc. that you are able to take them in stride. (Or you’re just really tired and worn out, not having any energy left to rage…also a distinct possibility).
This week, someone grazed me with her cart in the grocery store. Her sweet apology made the misstep easily forgiven. That same visit, in the produce section, a woman smacked her cart right into mine as though we were in some kind of demolition derby- not bothering to slow her progress. I watched her speed away and contemplated if I should launch the orange in my hand at the head of the reckless shopper. You know, to ensure a safe distance of 6 ft.
But when the larger accidents happen, you don’t even think about the accident itself. On the other end of the phone, someone you love tells you that they’ve been in a car accident. Your only response is, “Are you O.K.?”
Because it’s not really about the accident itself, but how it’s survived. Not about the mistake at work, the item you broke or the thing you forgot.
It’s about finding a way to forgive yourself and learning from the experience- no two people handle that the same way.
Have a great weekend, friends! I love you! ❤
“Since human wisdom cannot secure us from accidents, it is the greatest effort of reason to bear them well.” – John Paul Jones
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Toni L. Harty 