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<p>I was actually “on schedule” leaving the house for the first time all week. Still I hurried to the gym so I wouldn’t lose any valuable time. The parking lot at Lifetime Fitness had been pretty empty this week, due to the first week of school, but it was especially empty this day.</p>
<p>I pulled into a space next to a car I’d seen here a number of times. When I got out and walked around to the passenger side to get my gym bag, the driver was standing there. I hadn’t seen him sitting in the car when I pulled in so I was surprised. My mind was wandering off into another world at the time so my next set of actions really didn’t make much sense and that’s where the trouble started.</p>
<h4>What Was I Thinking?</h4>
<p>I started walking towards the passenger front door although, in hindsight, it was clear he was heading towards the driver rear door to get <em>his</em> gym bag. I said “sorry”, but I kept going and opened my car door. He muttered something that contained a four letter word, showing his disbelief at what was taking place. I said, “Sorry about that” again and retrieved my bag – quickly</p>
<p>I made a beeline towards the door of the building, knowing I’d screwed up. I was totally not present and had epically failed to be considerate of another person who had, for lack of a better phrase, “the right of way.” I wasn’t offended in the least by his audible show of displeasure. He had every right to be upset.</p>
<p>I stowed my bag in the locker room and headed upstairs to hit the weights. I knew I’d see this guy again, since he’d probably be hitting the weights too. I kept my head down and got on with my business.</p>
<h4>I Couldn’t Have Written a Better Story</h4>
<p>After finishing a few sets of shoulder presses, I moved over to the leg press and started my warm up sets. After a couple, somebody appeared in front me. It was him! With a friendly grin he apologized for what happened in the parking lot.</p>
<p>REALLY?</p>
<figure id="attachment_383" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-383" style="width: 180px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="http://www.witnesspath.com/2012/08/17/theres-something-to-learn-from-everyone/kurt-angle/" rel="attachment wp-att-383"><img class="size-full wp-image-383" title="kurt angle" src="http://toddkmarsha.com/s/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2012/08/kurt-angle.jpg" alt="kurt angle" width="180" height="240" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-383" class="wp-caption-text">Kurt Angle by daysofthundr46</figcaption></figure>
<p>It was me who should have been apologizing. I graciously told him it was all I my fault and I had “no idea what the hell I was doing out there.” We parted with smiles and I got back into my workout. I was absolutely blown away by what had just happened.</p>
<p>I got in this gentleman’s way because I was in a hurry and completely unfocused. I made his bad morning even worse and I boogied away from the situation as fast as I could to avoid any kind of accountability or confrontation. Yet, he apologized to me. Clearly, he felt the way he behaved was inappropriate, so he sought <em>me</em> out to say he was sorry. What a class act.</p>
<p>I have no doubt the Holy Spirit was there orchestrating the whole thing. The person he sent to teach me was someone with an intimidating appearance whom I could still identify with. You see, he looked like a cross between Kurt Angle and <a title="Wanderlei Silva" href="http://www.heavy.com/mma/mma-news/2012/06/mma-news-roundup-2012-injuries-wanderlei-silva-gifs-forbes-100-list/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wanderlei Silva</a>. His muscles had muscles. After hearing him speak, though, it was obvious he was a humble, well-mannered gentleman who’s passionate about taking care of his body.</p>
<h4>Have I Learned My Lesson?</h4>
<p>This was a lesson I needed to learn about how to interact with other people and I pray I’ve learned it through this amazing experience. I’ve been a very proud person throughout my life. Saying, “I’m sorry” has always been a tough thing to do. I work in a field where I’m expected to apologize for things I had nothing to do with. It’s never come easy and I fail to do it more than I care to admit.</p>
<p>Now, when I see this fella at the gym, I’ll have a constant reminder of the value of being present, slowing down and being considerate of others. For that, I thank God. His love for all of us knows no boundaries. He’s there always to guide us, shape us and help us grow closer to Him. Amen.</p>
<p><strong><em>Question: When have you had a moment where you knew the Holy Spirit was using someone to communicate a valuable message to you? Have you been the one used by the Holy Spirit to reach someone else? I’d love to read your story in the form of a comment below…</em></strong></p>
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