Sometimes, the most mundane encounters can carry the deepest lessons. A few words from a stranger can change the course of your day—or even shift your perspective on life. This happened to me not long ago, during a visit to a public square where we bought tickets to go up the observatory deck.
Excited to get an early start, we approached the guard to ask if we could go up ahead of our scheduled time. His response was curt, almost dismissive, as he told us to come back at 1 pm. It was one of those moments where irritation starts bubbling up. I mean, we weren’t asking for much, just a little flexibility. But as I stood there, taking in the view of the square below and the anticipation of the skyline above, I realized this was a choice point. I could let his unfriendly tone ruin the moment, or I could extend some grace. Maybe he was having a bad day, or maybe it had nothing to do with us at all.
This is where perspective becomes important.
The Power of Perspective
I was reminded of the scripture: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2). We often forget that everyone is fighting a battle we know nothing about. I’ve been on the receiving end of less-than-friendly interactions more than once, and I’m sure I’ve been the one giving them, too, without even realizing it.
It’s easy to react to someone’s attitude and take it personally. But when we pause and reflect, we often find that it’s not about us at all. That guard’s impatience may have stemmed from a long day on his feet or dealing with dozens of other frustrated visitors. In that moment, I chose to respond with patience, giving him the benefit of the doubt.
A verse from Matthew 7:1 also echoed in my mind: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” It reminded me that when we make snap judgments about others, we close the door to understanding. By allowing space for compassion, we invite more peace into our own lives. So, instead of focusing on how the guard’s response made me feel, I considered what he might be going through—and just like that, my frustration melted away.
Choosing Grace Over Frustration
Looking back, I could have easily let the brief interaction with the observatory guard dampen my experience. But by choosing grace, I didn’t just change the course of my day—I changed my mindset. One of my favorite quotes by Maya Angelou reflects this beautifully: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
By not snapping back or letting irritation take over, I left the situation feeling light instead of burdened. And that made all the difference. This experience reminded me that while we can’t control how others act, we can absolutely control how we respond. It’s not always easy, but choosing grace creates ripples of positivity—not just for ourselves, but for everyone around us.
This small act of patience and understanding reflects something bigger: our responses, especially in challenging moments, reveal our character and growth. When we extend grace, we don’t just lift others—we elevate ourselves.
A Time I Didn’t Handle It Well
But I’ll admit, I haven’t always been so gracious in the past. There was a time, years ago, when I had a similar encounter at an airport. I was stressed about making my flight, and when the gate agent told me I had to wait an extra hour, I snapped. My frustration boiled over, and I didn’t handle it with the same grace I’ve learned to practice now. That interaction didn’t just ruin my day—it left me feeling guilty and frazzled long after I boarded my flight. It was a humbling experience, one that reminded me how powerful my reactions can be in shaping my own peace.
Widening the Lesson
These lessons extend beyond one-off encounters with strangers. They apply to our relationships, our families, and our workplaces. Whether it’s a difficult coworker, a loved one who’s having a rough day, or even a stranger like that guard, the principle is the same: respond with kindness, even when it’s hard. It doesn’t mean letting people walk over you, but it does mean choosing to be the bigger person, taking a step back, and giving others grace in their own struggles.
Soul Insights
1. Grace is a gift we give to ourselves, too – When we choose grace over judgment, we lift a burden from our hearts. It’s not just about others; it’s about preserving our own peace and lightness.
2. Every interaction is an opportunity for kindness – In the rush of daily life, we often forget how a smile, a kind word, or even the decision not to retaliate can change the course of someone’s day. These small choices matter.
3. Patience transforms frustration – Responding with patience, especially when we feel wronged or inconvenienced, not only diffuses tension but strengthens our character. The peace that follows is worth the restraint.
4. Perspective opens the door to compassion – By choosing to see situations from someone else’s point of view, we soften our hearts and allow for deeper understanding. It’s not always easy, but it makes a world of difference.
5. Our responses reveal our growth – How we handle challenging moments reflects the work we’ve done within ourselves. When we choose kindness, it’s a sign that we’re becoming better, more compassionate versions of ourselves.
Final Thoughts:
This brief moment with the guard at the observatory taught me a powerful lesson: we have the power to choose how we engage with the world. Our responses can either add to the negativity or bring light into the situation. Next time you’re met with a cold response or a difficult person, consider this scripture: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). Let’s aim to choose gentleness, patience, and grace.
Not for others, but for ourselves. After all, we’re all navigating our own journeys, and a little bit of grace can go a long way in making the road smoother for everyone.
© 2024 Amelie Chambord
Soul Path Insights 
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