Growing up on dirt roads and single lane highways, you often get stuck behind someone you can't get around.  And so you putt behind them until you approach a straightaway where you can see no one's coming.  Then you blow around them.  Except for my Granny.  I remember several times in High School I would get behind her old white Ford on the way to Hico.  She drove 45 miles an hour on the highway (MUCH slower than I drove), but I didn't have the heart to pass her even on the 200 yard passing lane.  Leaving her behind seemed inconsiderate.

I don't like to slow down for just anybody.

I get frustrated when people are too distracted to go immediately on green.  I'm unnerved when HEB shoppers block the aisle with their cart and with their person.  I have things to do (Let's Go People!).

Today was another story.

Rylie's birthday and Baptism are Sunday.  We have family coming and our fridge is empty.  Plus I'm STILL buying school supplies.  Today at Wal-Mart I filled the cart to overflowing; with heavy stuff.  I was using all of my body weight plodding at a 45 degree angle to get my buggy to move.

Leaving Wal-Mart I was worn out, but on my last leg.  Some young turkey darted out in front of me on the crosswalk and I had to screech my cart to a halt with sixty eggs perched precariously on my cart's top.  That's when I thought it....

YIELD TO THE HEAVY LOAD!

It would have been little effort on his part to wait for me to cross.

Just a minute.  I know this guy.......... He's me.

In all my "lists of things to do" I allow myself the right of way when I should really be yielding.

Last Monday Rylie got her routine two shots. She's normally a real trooper. But for some reason this particular Monday she tensed up come shot-time. She told me they hurt.  The next day she had two bruises to prove it.  The following two shot visits were met with tears and great anxiety; a heavy load.   She sat in the chair sobbing; urgently begging them to let her get her breath (for like 2 minutes). I rushed her, telling her to get it over with. I knew they had other patients to attend to. But they were so patient and kind. They yielded to her fear. I write this paragraph at the allergy clinic three visits later with a happy tear-free girl beside me.

I'm glad they made time for compassion. I think it made the difference.

Just yesterday Hallie's $80 mouthpiece for band went missing; major crisis for her. Not only was it an expensive item but one she needs to participate in class daily. She tore her locker up after school trying to find it.  Quite upset and in a panic she went to her old fifth grade teacher's classroom (fifteen minutes after school let out).  Her teacher (who I'm sure was ready to go home) called me, comforted Hallie and waited for me to get up to the school.

I'm thankful to Mrs. Gaspard that being there for Hallie was more important than whatever was on her list for after school.  The first week of school is exhausting.  She could have hugged her, patted her head and sent her to the office.  She could have let her use her phone and then sent her outside to wait. She had the right of way to go on home.  I'm glad she didn't.

Sometimes we need to yield whether or not we have a reason to go

Give way to those carrying a heavy load

Don't wave hurriedly from a distance at the widow in the church pew. She's lonely.  I know you're in a hurry.  But go give that woman a hug. -treat everybody like Granny

Overlook your husband's socks...and pants on the floor, just this once when you know he's had a hard week at work.

Invite your little neighbor that lives with her grandparents to the movies with you- even if she does talk your ear off.

Have some grace for the waiter who hasn't refilled your tea glass and has yet to bring your food if you know he's waiting too many tables, some tables with crotchety customers.

You have places to go. And people to see.  But sometimes the very person you need to see, the person that needs to see you- is right in front of you.

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, ...Philippians 2:1-5