It was silly really. A friend and I were going to a crowded movie theater and someone snagged my parking spot (Quick sidebar – I’ve been accused of using the word “friend” as a cover-up for ambiguous relationships that I’d rather not define. No ambiguity here – a very genuine and amazing friend.) As I saw the other car round the corner, I said, “Don’t steal my spot” – after all, I had been patiently waiting for it. But she did and that’s when I . . .well, I drove on.
Now, you’re probably thinking that’s a lousy story and if you’re looking for Lifetime Drama, you’d be right. Although I wasn’t happy about getting my spot taken so blatantly, I chose to believe that the other driver was just a little confused. Even if she wasn’t – what was I to do? It’s not like I’m going to get into a fist fight over a place to park.
Similarly, in the midst of a time-sensitive project I was working on, my printer failed me. Now, this doesn’t seem like a big deal unless you’re like me, which is – you don’t care about how computers work, just as long as they do. I tried the classic trick of unplugging it, turning it off and on, and pressing every button in random combinations. None of it worked. So I went to sleep. Again, not a great story, but there is a lesson.
The parking spot that was stolen was miles (slight exaggeration) from the theater. The one I ended up parking in was barely 20 steps away. The printer never did work that night, but the next day when I came home from work, it did. I don’t know why, but that’s o.k. I’ve learned not to question unexpected blessings. Additionally, I realized that if I had thrown a fit when it broke, or if I had taken the opportunity to rattle off a litany of the injustice done to me by the parking spot-thief, I’d still be in the same position I am today and position isn’t all that bad. I secured a great spot and I have a working printer. My reaction didn’t change the outcome, but it did help me appreciate it.
Sometimes its the small victories that teach us about grace. Sometimes we learn from our mistakes. Although I’m more apt to attempt the latter, I’m glad when the former offer some instruction too.