Much ado about...parking

It happened twice. 2 weeks back in Geylang, and last night right in the kampung carpark.

Cutting into our parking lot.

In the first instance, I was hopping mad and ready to pounce on the driver. The driver and his 2 companions 'innocently' waited in the car after taking the lot, perhaps worried that we might leave some souvenirs on the car after they leave. In the end, we hovered around and tortured them for a good 5-10 mins, and they decided that they'd take the risk and just go off. We too left without our Yong He beancurd. Throughout the entire ordeal, Mr Wong was as cool as a cucumber.

Last night, a neighbour (must be coz he's a season parker) cut into the lot. This time round, the better half hopped out to defend his lot. Before I could say anything. The accused retorted along the lines of "you din tell me you were going to park", but eventually gave up the lot to us. 2 immediate post-happenings mitigated the unhappiness: 1) Mr Wong thanked the accused, 2) we directed the neighbour to another lot that we spotted in the carpark.

Strangely, last night's situation bothered me a little. As in, I kept thinking about the dynamics of the 2 circumstances and the reactions we had towards it:
1) Was Mr Wong more agitated because it happened a 2nd time, whereas I was less agitated and prepared to let it pass because it happened a 2nd time?
2) Instead of letting the offender have his/her way, what is the best way to 'confront' without being offensive?
3) In the midst of trying to secure the same lot, another lot became available which all of us had missed out.

Somehow, I can't help but be reminded of one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit that we should have: meekness. There are many verses in the bible showing God's promises to the meek:
Psalm 25:9 "The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way"
Psalm 37:11 "But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace"
Psalm 147:6 "The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground"
Psalm 149:4 "For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation"
Isaiah 29:19 "The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel"
Matthew 5:5 "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth"

We read too, that Moses "was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth", and Paul too "Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ". So how would these great men of God have reacted in a similar situation?

God gave me some answers through His words:
2 Tim 2:25 "In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth"
Titus 3:2 "To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men"

In answer to my questions above:
1) It don't matter whether it's the 1st, 2nd or even the most uncountable times. We should never allow ourselves to be offended.
2) With meekness!
3) God provides another when you give up something for His testimony.

Praise the Lord :)