Turning Rudeness Around
We were at a restaurant with our son and his family having breakfast. Even though it wasn’t a large venue, it was a cute little space with a great atmosphere and great food. One of our favorite stops while we visit him in Texas. On this particular day we were seated right next to the waiting area—we were literally right next to it.
Next to us were a couple of ladies being so rude to those around them. They invaded our space and the space for those in the waiting area, not considering those around them.
At one point I asked my son a question and he seemed to be somewhere else and didn’t answer my question but instead announced…
My hemorrhoids are really acting up!
Okay, clearly you have no desire to talk about what I asked.
Then, he starting talking about the vasectomy he was soon to have after their baby is born due in a couple of months.
Okay, odd breakfast conversation. A bit strange but we all went with it.
Then Tim, began laughing.
He told us that there were two ladies filming a promo video for a conference right next to him—so close that his voice would have been louder than the person being filmed—and they had also invaded the space where other guests were waiting for their table.
What he did was begin to talk about hemorrhoids and vasectomies while the camera was right up next to him.
How I wish I could have been there when these ladies played back their video and heard my son talking about difficult bathroom challenges and sensitive birth control measures.
We all had many laughs as we continually made reference to his witty comments and quick action.
These ladies were being so rude, not thinking about the people around them or their environment. We can all allow ourselves to feel angry with these types of people or we can have fun with it—as my son did during our breakfast.
Life is full of many challenges and sad situations but if we look for the fun in life we can find it. When others are rude we can see the funny in it and not choose to become angry. The best choice is to have fun with it.
I’m certain Jesus smiled and laughed. Just look at the funny stories in the Bible…
A talking donkey. (Numbers 22)
Peter at the gate and the servant girl runs away to tell the believers praying that Peter is at the gate and they don’t believe her. (Acts 12)
Jesus spits and makes mud out of said spit and heals a blind man. (John 9)
How can we not see the humor in these?
If we look for humor, like if we look for good, we will find it. I don’t know about you but I’d prefer going through my life looking for the good and looking for the humor. Life is so much more fun that way.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”
– Psalm 126:2
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
– Proverbs 17:22
For more from Lucille Williams check out her books The Impossible Kid: Parenting a Strong-Willed Child with Love and Grace, and for your marriage, From Me to We, and The Intimacy You Crave. And on preorder Turtle Finds His Talent for ages 2-6. We invite you to subscribe to LuSays today for weekly encouragement.
