Thursday Ramble

 We may have found a cure for most evils;

but we have found no remedy for the worst of them all,

the apathy of human beings.

 Helen Keller

Yesterday I was on the bus heading  home from the center when I overhead a woman politely ask the man in front of her if the bus was nearing her stop. I was totally taken aback when I heard the man rudely reply, "I don't know.  Ask the bus driver."  His response was totally uncalled for. It is not as if he didn't know the answer.  If that was the case,  he could have said, "I am sorry.  I'm not sure. Perhaps you should ask the bus driver". But, I knew that wasn't the case.  I've actually seen the man on the bus several times, and I knew he was well aware where the ladies' stop was.  He was just being ornery. So, I gave him a look and informed the woman that she had a few stops left and that I was going her way so I would let her know when we got there.  The woman was so thankful.

There was no excuse for the man's behavior.  I would hate to think that this was his normal mannerism.  I like to give people the benefit of a doubt, so let's say he was having a bad day.  But, that is no justification for taking it out on a stranger. For that matter, it was no excuse for taking it out on anyone.  There is far too much unkindness in the world.  Rudeness is, unfortunately, a part of life

So, what is a person to do?  Unfortunately there is not much we can do. People are what they are and saying something certainly won't change them. And, it serves no purpose to be rude right back at them.  Granted, there are many times that I wanted to offend in like manner, but what purpose would that have served. Two wrongs will never make a right, and I probably would have ended up spending my entire day ruminating over the incident.   No, there is  not much we can do except to be the best person WE can be.  If I know I will be unable to remain calm, I walk away
nd forget about it.  What do you do when it happens to you?

Have you had a kindness shown?
Pass it on;
'Twas not given for thee alone,
Pass it on;

Let it travel down the years,

Let it wipe another's tears,

'Til in Heaven the deed appears -

Pass it on.

 

Henry Burton