This morning, on my way to work, I pulled up behind a car with a handwritten note taped to the back window. It said, “Learning stick. Sorry for any delay.”
The moment I read it, my whole attitude changed. I didn’t mind the jerky starts or the awkward gear shifts. In fact, I found myself silently cheering them on. They were doing pretty well for someone learning something new. But as I drove, a thought settled in.
Would I have been this patient if that little sign wasn’t there? Probably not. And that realization stayed with me. Because most people don’t have signs explaining what they’re going through. You don’t see one that says,
“Going through a divorce.”
“Lost someone I love.”
“Fighting depression.”
“Just diagnosed with cancer.”
If we could see what others carry, we’d probably move through the world with a lot more gentleness. But maybe we shouldn’t need a sign to show a little kindness.
Everyone you pass today is carrying something unseen, something heavy. So let’s slow down a bit. Let’s be patient.
Let’s choose grace, and love, even when there’s no sign asking us to.
By Barclay Mullins
My Commentary:
This simple story contains a profound truth about human life.
A handwritten sign on the back of a car changed everything. Instead of feeling impatient, the driver felt understanding. Instead of frustration, there was encouragement. The sign explained what could not otherwise be seen: someone was learning, struggling, and doing their best.
How different life might be if everyone carried such a sign. Imagine seeing one that read, “My spouse just died.” Or, “I’m caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s.” Or, “I just lost my job.” Or, “I received a difficult diagnosis this week.” Suddenly our irritation might become compassion. Our criticism might become patience.
This is exactly how Jesus looked at people. He saw beyond appearances. Others saw a tax collector, a sinner, a leper, or a beggar. Jesus saw the hidden story. He saw wounds no one else noticed and burdens no one else understood.
The truth is that every person we meet is carrying something. Some burdens are visible. Most are not. The cheerful coworker may be grieving. The impatient customer may be overwhelmed. The quiet neighbor may be lonely. We simply do not know.
That is why Christians are called to practice grace. Grace is offering kindness before it is earned. It is choosing patience when annoyance would be easier. It is giving people the benefit of the doubt because we recognize that we do not know the battles they are fighting.
Jesus said, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” At some point, each of us will be the person needing understanding, patience, and compassion. We too carry unseen burdens.
The sign on that car lasted only a few moments. Yet its message is one we should remember every day:
Everyone is learning.
Everyone is struggling.
Everyone is carrying something.
So slow down. Be patient. Be kind.
You may be the answer to a prayer that no one has spoken aloud.
What burden are YOU carrying that no one or very few know about? As YOU carry that burden, how does it feel when someone treats you with kindness?
YOU MAY BE THE ANSWER TO A PRAYER THAT NO HAS SPOKEN ALOUD!
I hope you have been enjoying Treats for the Soul. Please tell someone YOU just met about www.TreatsfortheSoul.org. and have them subscribe. IT’S FREE!! They will thank and bless you for doing so. Do listen to my Podcast. Over 120,000 people have.
