Happy Wednesday!
I received this inspirational story from a friend, and I had to share it with you.
A young lady was waiting for her flight in the boarding room of a big airport.
As she would need to wait many hours, she decided to buy a book to spend her time. She also bought a packet of cookies.
She sat down in an arm chair, in the VIP room of the airport, to rest and read in peace.
Beside the armchair where packet of cookies lay, a man sat down in the next seat, opened his magazine and started reading.
When she took out the first cookie, the man took one also. She felt irritated but said nothing. She just thought: “What a nerve! If I was in the mood, I would punch him for daring!”
For each cookie she took, the man took one too. This was infuriating her, but she didn’t want to cause a scene.
When only one cookie remained, she thought: “Ah…what would this abusive man do now?”
Then, the man, taking the last cookie, divided it into half, giving her one half.
Ah! That was too much! She was much too angry now! In a huff, she took her book, her things and stormed to the boarding place.
When she sat down in her seat, inside the plane, she looked into her purse to take her eyeglasses, and, to her surprise, her packet of cookies were there, untouched, unopened!
She felt so ashamed!! She realized she was wrong. She had forgotten that her cookies were kept in her purse.
The man had divided his cookies with her, without feeling angered or bitter….while she had been very angry, thinking she was dividing her cookies with him. And now there was no chance to explain herself…nor to apologize.
There are 4 things you cannot recover.
The stone…
…after the throw!
The word…
…after it’s said!
The occasion…
…after the loss!
The time…
…after it’s gone!
A thousand thanks to a friend for sending this to me.
This story hit me square in the face, because I can see more of myself in this young lady’s reaction than I’d like to admit. I’m, more times than not, quick to anger and quick to judge….you’d think at my age, I’d have these things worked out by now.
I’m a majorly flawed human being….a constant work in progress. I’m certain this will continue to be true until I meet my Maker.
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. James 1:19-21
“Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them– every day begin the task anew.” ~ Francis de Sales
Jeannie
gracefully50 
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What a good lesson, one we all need to be reminded of from time to time. Some of us (like me!) more than others.
Me, too! I need a daily reminder.
I think that last quote is spot on 🙂
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Yes, I agree!
so true… people must just relax and not get angry about things and be more generous and caring! great story!
You are so right! Generosity is a good motto to live by!
And, yes, we do need to relax…
This reminds me of what the natives kept saying when we were in Jamaica….”No problem, mon!” 🙂
great story and lesson.
I think I would of confronted which is probably better than keeping it inside; after the realization that they were HIS cookies I would of at least had the opportunity to laugh and apologize.
Oh Bella! That would have been better!
I wouldn’t be upset at all about sharing the cookies…it would be my assumption of his inconsiderate behavior that would have angered me. It’s a lesson well learned. I would hope that I would offer him some cookies first…then I’d find out it was his, then we’d be laughing about it. I’m hoping to be that person!
You are stunning and these words of wisdom are important to remember and to live by. Thanks for a great post.
Thank you so much!
I agree with you…much to remember and hopefully to live by.
Have a great and safe weekend!
Jeannie, thank you for this post. I, too, see myself in that lady. Unfortunately, I am very quick to anger and it’s a flaw that I am always working on! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
xo, sam
I’m with you Sam!
….taking deep breaths… saying a quick prayer seems to help when I feel angry.
I hope you have a great weekend as well!
Each time I’ve received this ‘story’ I’ve felt convicted. I enjoyed reading all the comments on this .. as Oprah always said ‘when you know better, you do better’ I think its easier said than done. But imagine, if you were perfect, you’d not be here to share yourself with us 🙂
Hugz and thanks for visiting – I’m trying to get around to visit all my faves bloggers 🙂
Hi Wendy!
You are absolutely right! I know of only One who was perfect while on this earth….and, I thank Him every day for His Grace.
Thanks for visiting! 🙂
Wow Jeannie, this brought tears…thank you for sharing this story so beautifully. Words to keep close…thank you!
Hi Tamera,
I felt the same way when I first read the story.
I’m thankful to be able to share it with you!
i have heard many variations of that particular story, but no matter how many times i hear it, it always gives me pause….
brett
Yes, we do seem to forget and get into our selfish ways…a much needed reminder!
I think I have read a similar story before and it’s SUCH a good reminder! Don’t we just get full of ourselves??? Thanks for posting this…..we all need it! Hugs! ~Serene
This is the first time I’ve read the story and I’m SO thankful, because I needed a spanking and a reminder…in a worst way!
It is so convicting, because I also see myself reacting the same way…don’t mess with my cookies! Because of your story, I will probably be quick to share…I like the four things you can never recover and will share that with my high school kids that I teach. James has taught me to be slow to speak, quick to listen and slow to become angry. So much meat in one book. Great post!!
Haha…my sentiments exactly! I would have said “hands off my cookies!”
It’s quite humbling to read thru the story and go “Oh my gosh…that would have been ME!”
So shameful! I needed this story FOR sure!!
Very timely. We are involved in a weekly Bible study with two other couples and are presently studying the book of James. That passage of scripture was part of this week’s study! I am older than you and still have much to learn!
How about that?
Well, I’m humbled…I need to be reminded of my shortcomings. How am I to grow without convictions. This story did just that for me…I needed it!
I can totally relate! Thanks for sharing such a wonderful story.
Me,too!
I’m glad you enjoyed the story Daisha!
Wow, what a wonderful story! The regrets we live with when we don’t get a second chance to make the wrongs right are the most painful ones! Thanks for sharing this! Your blog is such an inspiration! Hope you are having a wonderful day!
-Jyoti
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Hi Jyoti,
This story really hit home with me…made me think of all the unpleasant things I’ve said that I can’t take back, and things I wanted to say but can’t because they’re no longer living. Really sad…