Gaining Perspective

I wish that periodically during our life we could print out some sort
of report detailing all the moments in our lifetime that have helped
influenced our psyche and defines who we are. Then we could
intentionally put ourselves in similar situations in an attempt to
continue to grow as individuals. I'd love to know what experiences I
have had, that affect who I am and the decisions I make.

There is one memory that I have from when I was four that I'm pretty sure would be on that report. We were driving in my dad's truck on a wintry day along a certain street. There was an older gentleman hobbling along the sidewalk with a cane, when he slipped on the ice and fell. I, like a lot of children, thought it was hilarious that he fell. So I started laughing and pointing at him. I remember my dad immediately stopped the truck and got out, turned back at me and said how it was not very nice to find humor in someone else's mishaps and to try to see things from other's point of view before I make fun of them. Then he ran over to the gentleman and helped him back up, making sure he was ok. I may have the details a little off. For some reason that moment has stayed in my mind all these years; popping up every now and then to remind me to examine my judgments and opinions when it comes to other people. And to try to walk a mile in their shoes, perhaps on an icy road.