Under the Impression

How easy it is to get under an impression!

A cab was hailed for my husband and I by a hotel doorman in Chicago a few weeks ago.

The man driving the cab was quite shady looking. My first thoughts of him were quite critical.

"Wonder if he is on drugs?"
"Doesn't look as if he has had much sleep."
"Looks as if he has had it pretty rough."

Silly thoughts! Misleading thoughts.

My husband asked, "How are you this morning?"

"Blessed. So blessed!"

"Hmmm ....," thought I.

Soon this fine, upstanding, wonderful young man began to talk of his faith.

My thoughts found a hiding place as humility poured over me.

It wasn't a long enough ride. My Christian brother was soon sharing his missionary heart. He was ready to tell the world about Jesus. I had misjudged. I was wrong.

Kept thinking what if I had been right about him. What if our driver had been a heathen? Would I have treated him like he had treated us? Would I have started out of the gate with blessing on my tongue? Would my gratefulness have been the first thing a heathen would have heard from me? Would joy have flowed from my innermost being and spilled right over into him? Would the gospel in my life be evident? Or would I have continued to let negative thoughts of him roll on, while holding my tongue? Would I have tried to protect myself? Or would I dare to be bold?

I really don't know for sure but I can tell you I wasn't off to a very good start. That missionary cab driver inspired me, though. I want to let my light shine wherever I am and whoever I am with. I am thankful that he was an example of how to do it!

I never want to be under an impression again! Oh, to be on top of it! Sure do need some discernment.