‘n Vriendin van my en Nadia, Amie Hougaard, het onlangs hierdie stuk geskryf oor iets wat met haar in die verkeer gebeur het. Ons gesels gereeld oor hoe dit lyk aan die gee-kant van vergifnis, maar hierdie ervaring help mens om iets te verstaan van die ontvang-kant: hoe dit voel om vergewe, gesien en “vrygelaat” te word.
Today, something small, yet profound happened.
I recently started a new job in Claremont, and navigating the routes, lanes, and traffic lights hasn’t been easy for this plaas-meisie.
I didn’t realise the green arrow had stopped flashing at a busy intersection in Claremont/Newlands (the one near the Engen where many of us have had a late-night pie). I accidentally ended up blocking the intersection.
The thing is – it was completely unintentional, and I felt awful.
There was someone about my age in a car behind me, trying to get past. I raised my hands in a sort of “sorry/prayer/please forgive me/thank you” gesture – anything to express how bad I felt.
He made direct eye contact and shook his head, clearly annoyed. I felt the weight of that moment. My chest tightened with guilt and embarrassment.
But then – something shifted.
I tried to catch his eye again, and just before the light changed, he looked at me, smiled gently, and nodded.
In that small gesture, I heard him say:
“I see you. It’s okay. I forgive you.”
We both waved. We parted with a smile.
And just like that, my entire 1-hour 20-minute trip to Paarl felt lighter.
I no longer carried the guilt.
I was forgiven.
I was seen.
So, forgive people. Set them free.
That guy didn’t owe me anything – but within 30 seconds, he decided that holding on to frustration wasn’t worth it.
It’s not worth it.
Life will bring enough real hardship.
Let the lost girl in the intersection go.
Let it go.
Forgive.
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