" You must be the change you wish to see in the world" Mahatma Ghandi 1869-1948I often like to meander my way through a very upscale housing development whenever traffic is horrendous on the main strip. I particularly like to drive across the lake to enjoy the reflections and all the beautiful flowers and landscaping. As I am driving the Porsche along the curving roads, those passing me in cars and on foot were waving like long lost friends. I have driven through this particular area in my 1999 Crown Victoria and was not greeted with waves and smiles, more like why are you here and what are you looking at. Hmm...Reminds me of that scene in "Pretty Woman" where Julia Roberts gets treated in a very demeaning manner because of her appearance, comes back later in designer labels and the store clerks cannot help her enough! Have you ever been in a very trendy, upscale shop and have the clerks look at you, like why don't you go back to Wal-mart where you belong? It often amuses or irritates me based on my frame of mind that day. Do we really know WHO a person is based on the clothes they wear, the car they drive or "the address" where they reside? To some people these externals are VERY important. I am guessing their whole sense of identity or importance revolves around what they own. Dear Husband and I work very hard and we are comfortable. We have sufficient for our needs and we are able to do things for others. We have " more" than some and "less" than others. Does this alter our character? As I was loading the boot of my car with office supplies, a man came up behind me (scared ten years off of my life) and really just wanted to know where the engine was in that car. My first impression was...am I about to get robbed...this guy was real friendly and was just fascinated by the fact that the engine was in the rear of the car! Would I have reacted the same way if a guy in a very nice car and suit asked me the same thing. Probably, if he came up behind me and startled me! When I feel the need to judge I remind myself that I do not know every one's circumstances. I am reminded of something I have heard in various messages, you do not know who you are standing or sitting next to...they may be a future world leader. I believe we are all sons and daughters of a Heavenly Father that loves each of us and that we are to love our fellow man/woman with the same fervor no matter where they live, what they drive or wear, what race someone is, what language is spoken or the religion that is practiced. Easier said than done, but we must all give this our best effort. If we were to see Ghandi, looking emaciated, tired and worn with the robes he is depicted in on our side of the street would we cross over thinking he wanted something of us? What if someone does want something of us...would we give? I was leaving the store the other day and a man approached me and asked if I could give him some change for a soda. All I had was a five and I gave it to him. He was thrilled to tears. My mom says she sees him all the time and he probably bought a bottle. I don't know if he did or not...that is not my judgement...it was what I felt in my heart at the time. We never know when we are "entertaining angels unaware" Another thought that comes to mind from the scriptures is "In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" Matthew 25:40 (King James version, New Testament) Reminder to self and challenge to others: Let's be a little kinder, gentler, more forgiving, tolerant...we do not know what burden someone is carrying. We are our brother's keeper! Namaste
