I was standing in the back of the moving truck when I heard his harrumph! I looked over at the elderly man standing on his front porch behind tall snow drifts. My new next door neighbor proceeded to greet me with an obscenity laced tirade.

There was no welcome in his voice. He was annoyed. He wanted only to express his displeasure.
One of the precious people who had come to help me move, had inadvertently parked in such a way that their vehicle partially blocked his driveway.

The thing was, you could not see his driveway. It was drifted shut, and no vehicle had come or gone since the snows end two days before.

I apologized to him, and told him we would get it moved right away.

He retreated back into his home, and I got busy getting the car moved.

Perhaps "cabin fever" had set in and he found no pleasure in the current circumstances of his life, but saw only what others were potentially keeping him from doing.

As I tried to process what had just happened, I thought of how many times I have made a poor first impression. I let my own frustrations boil over from time to time and the result is usually one that brings a sense of embarrassment and shame.

I was embarrassed for this gentleman. I do not yet know his story, but it is clear he has needs.

As a believer there are many times that we have the opportunity amid frustrating circumstances, to reflect the love of Jesus. It is what sets us apart. Sometimes we have to work at it, but over a period of time and growth in Him, it becomes second nature. Things we don't like happen, and rather than respond in anger, we are patient, and respond with measured words and emotion.

This kind of reaction causes others to take notice. They will even question how you are able to react in such fashion.

When we see someone lash out in anger, it is a symptom of another issue...a cry for help. One they may not even realize they are making. What will our response be?

I know I need to be available to the man next door. I do not know how or when it will happen, only that I need to be ready. I don't expect it to be fun. It will probably be difficult. But I need to be there when my Savior leads.

Isn't it interesting how many times the reactions of others are easier to identify and respond to than diagnosing our own issues?

I am thankful to have Christian friends. Those who help support and encourage when all else tries to bring defeat.

dad