I went for a bicycle ride today and twice I encountered a young man coming straight at me in my lane. He was with a lady friend and seemed intent upon showing off for her. Twice I had to stop. Twice he apologized for inconveniencing me.

I thought of catchy slogans I could have lobbed at him. “Stay in your own lane.” This is a great twelve-step slogan reminding us to mind our own business. While physically it might have been appropriate in these situations, this was not a spiritual time for such words. Afterall, if I was to lob that phrase at him, it would just bommarange back and hit me when I did my daily tenth step. Who am I to tell him what to do? He clearly understood right from wrong and felt impressing his lady friend was more important than worrying about oncoming traffic.

The second time I thought about the slogan - “changed behavior is the best amends.” I was busy taking his inventory, judging him for having transgressed once and apologized, yet he was still transgressing with no change in his behavior. Again, I was able to turn this around and think of how many times I might have done the same.

I think I’ll just stick with the slogan - “a resentment is like taking poison expecting the other person to die.”

Shake it off. Turn loose of my tendency to judge. Release this tiny resentment before it takes root.

I was a wonderful day for a bicycle ride. I am glad young couples are out on the trail. Maybe they will make a lifelong commitment to seeking the serenity of the outdoor trails.