At the same intersection, at the same time, Marilyn and I have crossed paths with the same school bus driver on our way to the church office. And each time he has given us a great big wave—like he’s known us all his life! The first time, we both waved back tenuously and then chortled to one another about having just made a friend. The second morning it happened, I suggested it wasn’t the same driver, but Marilyn quickly pointed out that it most certainly was: he was wearing the same large-brimmed straw hat. Sure enough, it was him and he promptly greeted us with a gregarious wave. From then on, we waved back with a little more enthusiasm.
The other day as I stopped at a different intersection, I was pleasantly surprised to see our bus-driving buddy waiting to make a left hand turn onto my road from a very busy state highway. I smiled, fondly remembering how he had waved at us. Actually I was flattered, musing that perhaps he had identified us as being particularly friendly people. I realized I was anxious for him to make the turn and anticipated his big wave.
Dozens of on-coming cars zoomed past as he sat waiting to turn. That’s when I noticed something incredible—he raised his hand and waved that same “big wave” to every car that passed! He didn’t miss a single car! Hand up… WAVE… hand down… zoom! Hand up… Big wave… zip, another car. He waved at literally every car that passed his windshield. None of this casual-nod or slightly-raised-fingers-from-the-top-of-the-steering-wheel type of wave, no siree, Bob[1]! We’re talking big-hand-in-the-air-wave to every passing motorist!
You may think, “Well, I’ll bet that looked strange!” But somehow it didn’t hit me that way. My admiration for him skyrocketed. I loved his commitment as an ambassador of good will. I assumed this about him: that he believed every passing motorist deserved a big, friendly, “Howdy.” I couldn’t help but believe his simple gesture was being purposefully practiced because he genuinely wanted to encourage everyone he met. I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt here, but I believe his hand wave said, “Hi, friend! I hope you have a great day!”
You know, Jesus did that very thing. He assumed the best of others. When crowds of common people pressed in upon him, he took time to acknowledge their wants and needs, to the dismay of his own disciples.
“One day children were brought to Jesus in the hope that he would lay hands on them and pray over them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus intervened: ‘Let the children alone, don’t prevent them from coming to me. God’s kingdom is made up of people like these.’ After laying hands on them, he left.”
Matthew 19:13-15 The Message
In Paul’s famous discourse on love in his first letter to the Corinthian church, he prompts us all to “assume the best of others.” As flawed as I am, I know I need the encouragement that comes when others assume the best of me. I’ll bet you need it too.
Lord, thank you that you not only notice me but that you extend your nail-scarred hand toward me. Thank you for your loving sacrifice on my behalf. Amen.
Read Ron’s column, Simple Faith, each Saturday on the Faith Page (page 3) of the Lancaster Eagle Gazette, or visit www.lancastereaglegazette.com.