Pride or Grace

Pride shows up in many forms. I'm not talking about being proud of family or achievements. I mean the kind of pride that says, I'm better than you, more important than you, or step aside—I'm in control. Grace, on the other hand, is its opposite: calm, courteous, and kind even when it's not easy.

Picture this: you're driving in traffic. Someone wants into your lane. Do you let them in (grace) or tighten your grip on control (pride)? Often, it depends on how your day is going.

A friend recently shared her story. She was rushing home and stuck behind a slow driver. When she tried to pass, the driver sped up. She tried again, with the same result. Frustrated, she floored it, passed, and turned into her neighborhood. To her surprise, the other car followed her. They both exchanged ugly words. My friend threatened to call the police, then went inside, ashamed.

Later, still feeling guilty, she saw the car parked a few houses down. Wanting to make peace, she decided to show grace and offer an apology. But when she knocked, the woman's husband answered. He said his wife had just received a serious cancer diagnosis and was resting before the kids got home. She had told him about the incident.

My friend walked back to her car, devastated.

Isn't it remarkable how pride can close our eyes to others' pain? When we feel anxious or rushed, pride often takes the wheel. But when we slow down, grace has a chance to lead.

That day reminded her and me that we always have a choice. I've had moments where I've acted out of pride, only to wonder later what someone else might have been going through. It's humbling.

In every interaction, we can choose pride or grace. One will isolate. The other heals.

Watch for the blind spots.

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