Rain on Me

Let me set the scene—

We’ve just had a torrential downpour and thunderstorm with rain flying in from every direction. I am also working. My job—to get patients up the handicap ramp and into the building. Did I already mention that it’s pouring? 

I’m literally soaked head to toe. Not a dry piece of clothing on me—nothing. The patients and the people accompanying them were outraged and mean. At me. And they let me know for sure. Why? Well, because it was pouring, and I couldn’t make it stop. Because the wheelchair was wet. Because they were getting wet. Because—well, just because. I felt so attacked. I just wanted to be helpful, but there I was, drenched and feeling helpless.

Guys, believe me when I tell you, after the 4th incident in a row, I wanted to lose my ever-living mind. I was pissed. But I refrained from reacting or responding. Not because I’m such a great person. Not because I know better; but because I was at work and representing more than myself. 

As the downpour subsided to a lighter, more manageable rain, I was bringing a gentleman down the ramp. He made a comment about it raining and I said, “this is much better than it was.” I pushed him to a dry resting place, under a covered roof, while waiting on his ride to pull up. This fine gentleman wanted to tip me for working in the rain and getting wet to make sure he was taken care of. I kindly declined and said, “sir, I appreciate your gesture, but the greatest tip is that you have been kind and polite, despite the rain.” 

Moral of the story. Simple. 

Just be kind. Sometimes we are all suffering through the same thing. I wasn’t in a dry suit, allowing everyone else to get wet. I was right in it with them. Some people just handle situations differently than others. 

As I wallowed in my anger, in that same moment, I was reminded of grace. That gentleman, so patient and kind, was a perfect example of just that. Grace. 

Even when others treat us poorly, grace allows us to find it in our heart to be kind.