It can be easy to respond with frustration and anger when someone does something rude to us, but one kind soul decided to break the chain of anger and to respond with love instead.
As the great Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Below is Peter’s moving and inspiring story:
Instead Of Getting Angry At A Driver Who Gave Him The Finger, He Decided To Respond With Love
“Why am I posting a selfie with a coffee cup and a peace sign? Well, I’d like to share something with you. This morning I was driving my car, when a gentleman cut me off and gave me the finger! This surprised me because I was unaware WHY he did this. My thoughts are because he didn’t use his turn signal, so it was unexpected….he also shouted ‘Asshole’ to me. Lol.
Anyways, I saw he pulled into the Starbucks. Well, I thought, here’s my chance to tell him what I think of his poor manners and disrespect. I went in to find him, and I couldn’t. So I went to buy myself a coffee, he then comes in line, from the bathroom. I turned around to tell him that it’s his lucky day! ‘What could I buy you? My treat!’
He looked at me almost stunned.
‘Really?’ He said. After buying him the drink, I told him that I was the guy he “flipped off” earlier.
‘Man, I’m so sorry.’ He said. ‘I’m just super stressed.’ I told him that it’s all good! We talked for a bit and later we found out that his turn signal is actually burnt out! Lol.
So, why am I sharing this? Because we tend to celebrate people getting revenge, or “getting what they deserve.” My question is, when does it end? When does the fighting and anger stop? It’s only when PEACE makes its way in and overcomes.
Remember, everyone may be going through something that you know nothing about.” <3
Photo and Story credit: Peter Karanfilis
The next time someone acts rude, frustrated, angry or unkind to you, take a moment to try and respond with love instead. Rather than responding in return and paying anger with anger, try to understand the other person’s situation, and remember that there is likely a painful history behind the person’s actions which caused them to act in such a way. If you can respond with love, rather than with anger or hate, then you’ve done your job in making the world a more beautiful place.
Have a beautifully kind day.
You are loved.
