Get Ready for the Snowplow
Get Ready for the Snowplow
I felt the heat rising to my face as I listened to the voice on the other end of the phone line. It had started as a normal workday with pleasant conversations until this call rang in. While I tried to keep my voice steady the irate patron berated me for a perceived slight when all I had done was try to help. I couldn’t help but feel like Emily did this past week when she received a call that a snowplow had smashed into her parked car in the Wright State University parking lot.
She had driven to school, parked the car, and went to her first class only to be interrupted by a phone call informing her of the accident. Now I sat in my office chair feeling as if a snowplow had just run over me, too, and I was HOT!!!
I wish I could say that I calmly turned the other cheek, but, though I kept my voice level on the phone, I exploded when I put the receiver down. How dare I be treated like that?
After I had time to compose myself, the Holy Spirit gently reminded me of God’s instructions for treating people who plow you over with thoughtless words and actions. He doesn’t tell us to “do to others AS they have done to us,” but instead to love them, to bless them, and to pray for them.
If you only love the people who are kind and nice there is nothing special about that. But if you love those who bulldoze over you when all you are doing is minding your own business, then God says your reward will be great. You will be recognized as a son or daughter of the Most High because you are emulating His response to the ungrateful and unkind.
It’s not very fun when your car gets run over by a snowplow, and it’s worse when your feelings are crushed. But I decided that God’s way is the best way. I choose to be merciful, to pray, and to love. And the next time a snowplow approaches I am going to be ready.
Love,
Mama
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Hi, I'm Sandy!
I write inspirational letters based on the Bible that share words of hope, encouragement, truth, and healing to my children and anyone else who longs for a mama's touch.
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What an awesome illustration Sandy 🙂 Sometimes the hurt that comes along can feel like we've hit by a snowplow! #BePrepared!
"But if you love those who bulldoze over you when all you are doing is minding your own business, then God says your reward will be great."
This made me think how the word 'mercy' comes from the latin root word for reward- it's sweet to know God knows and rewards our acts of mercy. Thanks for sharing. #livefree
Thanks for sharing! I have been in that customer service seat so many times. I can remember a few when I was just absolutely ready to write someone off when the gentle prompting said "This is my child. I love her too." After that, I did the ole "fake it till you make it" at times. What happened was after making the choice to loving and nice, many people would calm back down, callback and apologize for their behavior. Such a life lesson for me. Our emotions are so powerful. I am thankful for the grace and instruction of God, even when I fall short. Because that happens too! Thank you for sharing!
One of the most powerful statements I've ever heard is, "What if we make it to the end of our lives and we've only loved those who loved us first." It's caused me to think of love as proactive. I love this blog post. Thanks for linking up with me today on #livefreeThursday.
Good Illustration Sandy. We dO need to be merciful.
Good Illustration Sandy. We dO need to be merciful.