I was a block away from home. Most Sunday mornings, you will find me hiking trails near my house, ear buds in with podcast playing, and soaking in the vitamin D. 

This particular Sunday, I was approaching the last roundabout; almost home. I looked left to make sure no cars were coming before stepping on the roadway. I had to come to an abrupt stop.  Before me, exiting the roundabout was a police car; one of those large, black, intimidating SUV police cars. It stopped, and I saw a hand motion from inside. I waved and began to cross. I even did the ‘courtesy’ jog you do when a car is waiting for you to cross. 

As I continued across the next lane, I heard “Have a great day” coming from the officer. I did a body twist and managed a smile and wave as the officer drove past.

This seemingly benign greeting “Have a great day” changed the trajectory of my whole day. In that moment, I felt so safe and protected. This is a gift for a girl that walks with pepper spray and a body alarm.  

I had just shared a meaningful exchange with a stranger.

If we are to believe all the news headlines, we are living in a very divisive period of time of finger pointing and blame. Entire groups of people are judged as either good or bad, and only one side is allowed to be right and virtuous. 

Why?

This same sentiment can be said for my mamas wading through grief and baby loss. 

We finger point: Why me?

We draw lines of virtue: I would have been a better mother than her? 

We judge others: How come she gets to have a baby, and I don’t?

Mamas, we are all guilty of viewing life through our own biased lenses. We see what you want to see. What are your lenses showing you? Is it time to get your eyes checked? Do you need a prescription upgrade?

Mamas, in this time of uncertainty do your part: CHECK your bias. ASSUME good intent, TRUST in God, and remember to…

“HAVE A GREAT DAY!”