“Do it because it is right, not because it is rewarded.”
Dear leader,
Here is something that really annoys me: people who do not thank me when I stop to let cross the road!
On the way home one morning, a woman had crossed the far lane to the central island and was waiting for the traffic to clear before attempting the second (which, for round here, is a novel approach).
She was struggling with her three children (which would account for the waiting).
I stop. She crosses. There is not even an acknowledgment, let alone a thank you!
There is a flick of a wrist among the flailing appendages, but that may well have been a shepherding move rather than a salutation.
As I drive off, feeling most annoyed that she did not even look at me, let alone appreciate my magnanimity, It dawns on me that her priority was not on politeness, but on the practical safety: she had her hands full controlling three minors.
Witnessing the wild flurry of arms and hands, corralling those three little lambs – holding one in her arms, pulling one by her legs to hurry up, and grasping for the one rushing ahead to slow down, all in an attempt to safely traverse the torrents of traffic of the typical morning school run. It was a blessing they got to the other side alive.
Why did I stop, then? For their personal protection or my public praise? What is more important here?
Doing the right thing is not conditional, not subject to response, otherwise it is not done because it is right but because it wants rewarding.
Note to Self!
Other people’s priorities are not the same as mine.
Don’t get me annoyed because people I do not know – will never know, or even likely see again – do not take time to consider me. Their concerns may well be greater than mine. If all I want is an intangible feeling when they are struggle with a tangible threat, then I should just feel glad that I have contributed to them surviving the day!
Living life, Learning Lessons!
Live | Learn | Lead
