A car horn blared behind me, seeming to make my whole car shake and causing me to clench the steering wheel even tighter. The large black truck had been following me very closely for the last mile; only our narrow, windy country roads prevented him from passing me. Now that we had reached an intersection, he was clearly fed up with my speed-limit driving. He wanted me out of his way – fast. The fact that two cars were approaching, making it impossible for me to cross the busy street made no difference to him. He expressed his frustration with his loud horn as he rolled down and shouted words I won’t repeat.

When it was safe, I drove across the street, still shaken by the anger that followed me. There on the other side of the intersection, sitting in his truck, was a young man from our congregation.  He also rolled down the window. His interaction with me was entirely different. He gave me a big smile and leaned out to wave his hand. We didn’t speak, but my spirits were lifted by his cheery greeting and obvious goodwill.

Each encounter lasted no more than 30 seconds but the impact was powerful. It helped me realize what a difference our words and actions can have. Never underestimate your ability to influence the mood or even the entire day of another human being. Every day – and several times in each day – we have a choice of how we will live, speak, and interact with one another. Whether the person we encounter is a stranger or friend, we have a choice about what impression we will make and how we will leave that person after we part. Will that person be better off, lifted up, or encouraged? Or will our words and actions leave that person hurt, angry, or afraid? The choice is ours.

In the story of the Exodus, Moses tells the people of Israel that they are responsible for their actions. Moses describes the choice that they have; “See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction.  For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws… I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30).

Choose life. Choose kindness, every time. Choose civility, choose respect, choose patience. Choose to treat the other person as you would wish to be treated. Don’t overlook those 30 second encounters. They might make all the difference.

You have 30 seconds to make a difference – now go out and share God’s love.