Pass On The Love
Have you ever slowed down to search for a street address and looked in your rear-view mirror only to see an angry face giving you a stern look or shouting obscenities? It has happened to me from time to time over my forty-eight years as a driver, but never have I had the opportunity to meet the person behind me, face to face. Today was different.
As I was driving, the front bumper from the car behind me narrowly missed hitting me each time I slowed down. Thoughts ran through my mind like, "Oh God, please help me find a gas station soon! This poor gentleman behind me is becoming more frustrated by the minute, not to mention what a poor example I'm setting for my fellow drivers."
I wanted so much to stop my car, run over to him, and say, "Hi, my name is Helice Bridges. I'm actually a very nice lady. I wish that I could have remembered which street the gas station was on. I'm sorry for the frustration I've caused you."
After what seemed like an eternity, I finally spotted a gas station up ahead and turned in with a sigh of relief. To my surprise, the man was still right behind me. He pulled up to the pump next to mine.
This was my golden opportunity.
I watched him walking toward the cashier and called out to him,"Excuse me sir. I am hoping that you'll accept my apology for driving so slowly. I was trying to find the nearest gas station. I held a ribbon in my hands and said, "I have a Blue Ribbon that says Who I Am Makes A Difference. I'd like to give you this gift to thank you for your patience."
"Patience," the man snapped back, "you're honoring me for my patience? I'm a psychiatrist - you know, the professional who is suppoosed to keep his cool under any circumstances. Instead, here I am riding your back bumper and shouting obscenities under my breath. I have no patience. And now, out of nowhere, you come along and thank me for my patience," the man said, looking frustrated and embarrassed.
"Well, you can always improve on anything," I smiled. "Isn't that what you remind your patients of each day?"
"Yes - I guess that's true. I've seen thousands of patients over the years improve their lives as a result of my help. I guess I'm no different, I can sure use your encouragement right now." He glanced down at the ribbon, looked me in the eye and said, "Okay, I'll accept your gift."
Sam Mitchell smiled from ear to ear as I placed a Blue Ribbon over his heart right there in the middle of the busy gas station. I told him how much I appreciated having the chance to talk with him and encourage him to make all his best dreams come true.
He looked at the extra ribbons I handed him and read the Blue Ribbon instruction card with great interest. "It says that I am now a Difference Maker," he said with pride. "I will never forget you Helice Bridges," he said with a sincere look of gratitude as he gave me an unexpected embrace. "It's funny, I came here to fill up my tank, and now I'm filled up in more ways than one! From now on, you can count on me to slow down, have more patience and pass on the love!" I drove away with the continuing sense of renewal that comes from reaching out to a fellow human being, along with a whole new perspective on angry drivers in your rear-view mirror!
Reaching out ...
Mary Robinson Reynolds
Founder of Heart Productions & Publishing
