While perusing the RSS feeds this morning I came across an entry from my pal Sin-Yaw at Loud Thoughts referencing an event that transpired at a Starbucks that became a minor news sensation. The net of the story is in a drive-through lane in a Starbucks a fellow patron was rude and impatient. Rather than reacting in kind or asking for forgiveness, Arthur Rosenfeld bought coffee (and breakfast) for the 5 people in the vehicle behind him and drove away.

This action spawned a chain reaction which lasted throughout the day where people purchased the beverages/meals of those behind them throughout the day. A touching story to be sure, but I think the more important bit of the story is in how we respond to every day adversity. Speaking as someone with a bit of a temper (for those who really know me, don’t laugh at the understatement) I can say that I struggle with this situation routinely.

As Sin-Yaw and Rosenfeld point out, there are three possible responses to such stimuli: react in kind, meet force with force; or capitulate, give in and grovel; or find an alternative to either of the aforementioned behaviors. That’s what Rosenfeld did – he found the proverbial third door. And that’s what we should all aspire to do when faced with adversity. It’s a struggle, but one that is entirely worthwhile to overcome.