Warning Signs

"Tiger-splash zone. Stand Back"

"What in the world does that mean?" said my son Kaden when we visited the zoo that is part of the Greensboro Science Center.

Two tigers were prowling around the enclosure. We backed up . . . just in time to miss being sprayed with tiger pee. Whew!

While we laughed about how disgusting it would have been to be doused in tiger urine, a thought occurred to me. We should all wear warning signs!

"The baby woke me up three times last night. Warning: I am exhausted and cranky. Stand back."

"I think I am about to lose my job. Warning: I may snap under the pressure. Stand back."

"My husband (or other family member) is very sick. I have spent countless hours in the hospital without any improvement. Warning: I am emotionally spent. Stand back."

Wouldn't life be so much easier if we knew right off the bat what each person we came in contact with was going through? We might not be so quick to be offended when they aren't as friendly as we'd like them to be or when they cut us off in traffic.

I can't imagine that it's fun to be sprayed with tiger pee. I'm so grateful to the zoo keeper who hung the warning sign on the enclosure.

Yes, it would be wonderful if people came with warning signs, but, unfortunately they don't.

Matthew 5:43-45 says, “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven . . ." (‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭43-45‬ NLT)

So the next time a cashier at Wal-mart gives me attitude or a car cuts in front of me only to drive as slow as molasses, I'm going to picture this annoying person with a warning sign taped to his or her forehead. I resolve to pray for that person. (It might not hurt to take a step back, too.)