Now at this point in my life I've let go of my wants of nice, flashy cars (no more NSX to chase after) and big houses. I'm into living relatively simply. I've realized it's a big waste of my energy to buy those kinds of things just to make other people think better of me. So my reaction to his answer was in the range of, "Are you freakin crazy?!!! Don't be stupid! You're only doing that to impress other people." I didn't exactly say that stuff, but I was certainly thinking it. We got into a brief argument about it and it pretty much ended by him saying the parts would cost as much as a Honda's. I thought to myself that those must be some pretty shitty parts he's gonna be buying. But I said nothing after that.
Anyways, when I think back to that little conversation, I see something in myself that needs correcting. First and foremost, who the hell am I to judge somebody? I'm not God. I don't know every single thought that goes through my friend's head. And besides, there was a time just recently when I myself wanted nice cars and stuff.
The thing I have trouble with (and a lot of people do too) is that I think I know what's best for everybody. I expect or at least want something for or from them, thinking it's the right thing. But many a times have I come down the road a ways and realized how wrong I was. People are all in different stages of life. We can't expect them to listen to us and change their ways for us. It might not even be the right thing for them at all. I think just showing by example would be the best way. Live the way you would like-- just don't force it on anybody else. If they ask, then you can gently advise.
So next time you feel Godly and want to tell someone how to live their life (it's a little different with parents telling their kids what to do though), just observe and don't say anything. Don't think anything. Just love them, forgive them, and forgive yourself.
