God's Compassion

CC spoke before communion on Sunday about how praying for our neighbours, friends and people we pass on the street is a part of the relationship we build with God and others. It was much deeper then how I am explaining it. I was moved by what was said and thought about it for the first few days of the week. Life got busy and it left my thoughts until tonight.

We were driving home from the Farmer's Market and going to stop at the grocery store on our way home. A motorcycle was in front of us and a van behind. The van was driving erratically, swerving and coming quite close to hitting our car. He often slammed on his brakes so hard they would squeal and was trying to pass at dangerous times. He followed us into the parking lot of the grocery store and then followed us to the spot we had picked to park where he pulled his van in beside us. He got out of the van and confronted C about not turning his blinker on to turn. I stayed in the car. The man was very confrontational, used some choice words and C diffused the situation. The man got in his van and was sitting there. I refused to leave the car until he left. He then got out of the van again and came over and apologized to C. I still was unsure about getting out of the car, but was convinced. We kept watching to make sure he drove away. He was clearly drunk as the alcohol could be smelled on his breath. I was scared. Scared for C, scared for me, for the man's daughter, the people on the road and me. I was mad because I didn't have my cell phone to call the police on him, which is what needed to be done. I prayed. Prayed that he wouldn't hurt anybody on his way home. I was upset and angry. I wanted to write in the section of the local newspaper titled "Bricks and Bouquets." It would say something like this.

A brick to the man who drove drunk at 5pm on a sunny Thursday evening.
You could injure or kill someone with your idiocy and drunkenness. You have
children. What are they supposed to do if something happens to you?

It wasn't until I was at home that I prayed that a blessing be sent for him. That God reach out and show him the same compassion and love he shows me. Then I began thinking about what I could have done differently to help or if I could do anything at all. I didn't come up with anything.

I found Psalm 103: 1-6

Praise the Lord, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy
name
Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits --
who forgives all sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and
compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good
things
so that your youth is renewed
like the eagle's

The Lord works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.

I prayed the above. That God would work for good in the man's life and show him a new way.