People aren't perfect

As I was driving home from the dentist today I was a little distracted and accidentally cut off a car full of young adult boys. Each of them felt like it was necessary to flip me off. In their defense, I did cut them off. In my defense, I really didn't mean to.

But this experience got me thinking about how people are so quick to judge. We react with anger, get offended, or spiral into all sorts of negative emotions when others don't behave exactly like we want them to. But the problem is that no one is perfect. We will have to interact with people that do things we don't like. And we will do things that other people don't like. But when it comes down to it, most of us are just doing the best we can.

When I do things wrong I am always so grateful for people who give me the benefit of the doubt. It's embarassing to make mistakes and I always feel really bad when I hurt, offend, or inconvenience someone else. So I try and treat them the way I would want to be treated. I tell myself: "They are doing the best they can." And somehow that makes it easier to let go of the feelings of frustration or self-righteousness that seem to flare up.

So, to the boys in the car-- I am sorry. I didn't mean to cut you off. And even though you were big jerks, I forgive you because I figure you're just doing the best you can.

:)