In A Pickle
By Amie Fleming
Don't ask me why there was a jar of pickles in the van. All I know is I was sitting there, talking on the phone, minding my own business, and waiting for school to get out, when all of a sudden I heard a bang and a splash. In the next instant my lap, seat, and center console were covered in pickles and bright green brine, the smell of vinegar filling the air. I turned to see my daughter, standing with a look of horror on her face, holding the empty jar.
She didn't mean to do it. She was just trying to help herself since I was on the phone, but did I stop to consider her interests or intentions and respond with grace? No. I was thinking about how I didn't have time to run home and change before school let out, and how I had no idea how I was going to get that terrible smell out of the van. I am ashamed of the torrent of words that flowed freely as I angrily flipped pickles back into the jar and attempted to soak up the puddle of brine pooling in the cup holder.
When confronted with circumstances that are less than ideal, our words and actions proclaim to the world what matters most to us. Did you happen to notice how many times the word “I” was used in reference to my reaction in that last paragraph? When we choose our words in anger, frustration, or disgust, we are revealing not only our lack of self control, but our selfishness as well. Ouch. In an age of instant gratification, it is easy to fall prey to the idea that our wants and desires are more important than someone else's, when it just isn't so. Philippians 2:4 says “everyone should look out not for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." It's pretty difficult to get angry and upset with someone when we are looking out for their interests, isn't it? That day I was reminded that my words and reactions reveal more about me than my momentary frustration. They reveal my heart.
Don't ask me why there was a jar of pickles in the van. All I know is I was sitting there, talking on the phone, minding my own business, and waiting for school to get out, when all of a sudden I heard a bang and a splash. In the next instant my lap, seat, and center console were covered in pickles and bright green brine, the smell of vinegar filling the air. I turned to see my daughter, standing with a look of horror on her face, holding the empty jar.
She didn't mean to do it. She was just trying to help herself since I was on the phone, but did I stop to consider her interests or intentions and respond with grace? No. I was thinking about how I didn't have time to run home and change before school let out, and how I had no idea how I was going to get that terrible smell out of the van. I am ashamed of the torrent of words that flowed freely as I angrily flipped pickles back into the jar and attempted to soak up the puddle of brine pooling in the cup holder.
Next time I find myself inwardly fuming at the doctor’s office because they are running an hour behind, or irritated that my husband is totally misunderstanding what I’m trying to say, I pray that God would help me lay down my selfishness and impatience, and to “look after” their interests before my own.
By the way, I soaked my pants in bleach and they are now back to their original state: white and pickle-free. As for the van, Febreze was made for times like this. Now if only they made it for my mouth...
About the Author: Amie is a banker's daughter turned farmer's wife, who loves lazy days at the beach and a good conversation with friends. If she isn't running here, there, and everywhere, you can usually find her doing extraordinary things like cleaning out her flower beds or washing dishes. She is a recovering perfectionist who is learning to see the beauty and purpose in each ordinary day, and hopes that sharing her journey will point readers back to her heavenly Father, who can take the mundane and use it for our good and His glory. She and her husband live in the country with their two children and pet goldfish named George.
By the way, I soaked my pants in bleach and they are now back to their original state: white and pickle-free. As for the van, Febreze was made for times like this. Now if only they made it for my mouth...
About the Author: Amie is a banker's daughter turned farmer's wife, who loves lazy days at the beach and a good conversation with friends. If she isn't running here, there, and everywhere, you can usually find her doing extraordinary things like cleaning out her flower beds or washing dishes. She is a recovering perfectionist who is learning to see the beauty and purpose in each ordinary day, and hopes that sharing her journey will point readers back to her heavenly Father, who can take the mundane and use it for our good and His glory. She and her husband live in the country with their two children and pet goldfish named George.
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