An Immediate Attitude Change

I arrived in DC a week ago from today and won’t have access to my apartment until July 1. I wish I could have given myself more time between ending my old job and starting my current one because being in my own place and dealing with a 3-hour time difference would have been the ideal situation. I’ve been grateful to friends who have offered spare beds and couches until I’m able to get settled.

That aside, I’ve been a huge jerk the past several days. I started my new job and have felt completely overwhelmed. It hasn’t helped that I’ve practically fallen asleep in most meetings because I’m still 3 hours off and that my predecessor, nice guy that he is, didn’t leave any instructions or guidelines AT ALL.

Because I anticipate staying late at work tonight, I checked into a hotel last night. I was placed in a room next to someone who was a loud snorer. So loud I woke up several times during the night because I thought it was either A) a sewing machine and someone constantly opening a sliding door; or B) a jack hammer. Now I know those noises are drastically different but both incredibly annoying when you’re exhausted and, apparently, hallucinating.

I thought about driving into the District but then worried if I was here until 10 pm, I wouldn’t be able to get my car out of the parking garage in my building (which closes at 7). I chose a hotel that was safe but not exactly convenient to the Metro, so it took me a half hour to walk and the humidity came back this morning with a vengeance.

By the time I got on the Metro, I was still overly tired, annoyed at all the stupid tourists who don’t know proper escalator etiquette, had sweat stains in my pits, hair already in ponytail, and was just angry. Angry that I still don’t understand my job responsibilities, angry that my computer has Windows Vista, angry that I was running late, angry that the guy who got off the Metro at the same time cut in front of me in line TWICE when trying to get on the escalator, angry that I can’t get enough sleep… angry that I was angry.

I was not in the right frame of mind to start the workday when I looked around and saw a young homeless man on the corner. DC has HUGE homeless population, many with mental and physical disabilities, and more often than not I become annoyed with their pleas for assistance. I am not proud of this.

The fellow was in a wheelchair and didn’t have much body control nor verbal skills. The masses were rushing by and as I approached him, I noticed that he was bent over, fruitlessly trying to open a can of grape soda.

I don’t know what overcame me. I saw him for the first time 2 days ago and didn’t think much at the time but this morning I knelt beside him, took the can of soda and asked, “Would you like some help opening this?” He of course couldn’t answer me so I went ahead and did it and then stupidly handed him the open can. He grunted and frantically pointed at the box of loose change and dollar bills when I noticed the straw he needed. His smile warmed my heart and I couldn’t stop the tears that came.

I don’t tell you this story to blow up my ego or to let you know what a wonderful person I am, because I am not. My first reaction was to dismiss this young man because I didn’t have any money to give. I tell you this because I believe God has a way of immediately humbling His children, showing them how each person has challenges and how much we are blessed. It was an effective lesson in taking care of your fellow man, something I need to be better in doing.

I’m not angry anymore; I am incredibly grateful.