BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT

When my husband was in seminary, we lived in Austin, Texas. I was a stay-at-home mom, and Paul was a full-time student with a nightly part-time job. At some point I realized I needed a break from handling two toddlers at once — all day every day, usually by myself. (That may sound lame, but it was true.) I researched local preschools and found one at a church nearby that sounded wonderful. So when he was three, Colin started preschool.

One day, after dropping him off at school, two year old Christopher and I went to the post office. There was a line, and I knew I was pressing my luck to expect him to be patient while we waited for our turn. He did well, though. When it was our turn, we walked to the very high counter. Christopher stood next to me while I conducted my postal business.

Suddenly, I felt someone bite my leg! (I knew who it was.) While looking straight at the postman, I sternly said, “Don’t. Bite. Me.” Apparently, he didn’t know I had a small child with me, and the look on his face, as they say, was priceless. I laughed and explained to him what had happened. I think he was glad when we left.

This humorous situation led me to think about experiences we may have that lead to false assumptions. I was glad for the opportunity to explain to the postman what had happened, but sometimes we don’t have the chance to do so. Regardless of our initial impression in situations, I have learned there is always another side to the story. Giving one another the benefit of the doubt can go a long way in relationships.

“So in everything, do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Matthew 7:11)