Michael Hyatt is the Chairman of Thomas Nelson Publishers and a keynote speaker at ISC (International Shelby Conference) this year in Memphis, TN. I follow his blog closely because he always has great advice and wisdom to share, while still keeping things interesting.
He recently posted a video that I’ve seen on a number of blogs about a violinist who was interrupted during a performance because of someone’s phone ringing. To me, taking the time to watch the 1:20 minute video didn’t seem appealing, so I had glossed over it with every other post. When I came to Michael’s, though, I realized there was a deeper message than what I had expected.
This violinist doesn’t stop what he’s doing to ridicule or embarrass the cell phone violator, but instead, he incorporates the ringtone into the end of his performance. It adds humor to the situation but also makes you respect the violinist even more.
Michael pointed out that situations like this can be used as an opportunity for good behavior. It also allows you to reflect on what the Bible says about being kind, patient, and understanding. We so often disregard others when something doesn’t seem right or fair.
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32.
Think about what happens when a fire alarm goes off. Or when people go grocery shopping for their Thanksgiving meals. People lose a lot of their inhibitions and all chaos ensues.
My patience is most tested (like this morning when I was humbled in about 30 seconds) when I am late for something (which is my own fault) and someone else slows me down. This morning, someone left their empty lane to get right in front of me (going slower than I wanted to go). My frustration kicked in immediately and within seconds, they had their blinker on to turn right. Into a church parking lot. The church parking lot where I attend church. Yeah.
God has funny ways of putting us in our place. It makes it even more meaningful when someone else shows me grace after I’ve messed up.
Seems like we should all learn something from this violinist’s reaction.
Do you find yourself to be more understanding or more hot-headed when something isn’t fair?