Ask yourself...is there a force more powerful? Hate, anger, rage; these words are all singular by definition. But love? Love encompasses each of these emotions, as well as compassion, kindness, selflessness and a host of others. And, has there ever been anything more disarming than the by products of this indomitable emotion, such as a warm smile, a kind gesture, or a pleasant word?
With everything that's wrong with the world, doesn't it make sense to strive for something better? To do something right? We get so caught up in the next venture, or appointment, or message that might get missed. We speed through life as if our God will be impressed with the fact that we refuse to be idle; that we always strive for more out of life, to be the best. But at what cost?
Some people get it. Most of us don't. At least, not until an unspeakable tragedy has struck our family, or hit awfully close to home. But, why? Why is it so easy to lash out with negativity, instead of lending any given situation to the appropriate perspective? Are we so jaded as a society, to think this emotion is not real, or to be left behind for those who are weakest among us? Or is it the strong that truly understand what it means to love and be loved?
I will be the first to tell you that I would be a complete hypocrite to say I practice this rule, or action to the fullest. Truth be told, I fail; and I fail miserably. But what I refuse to do is give up, because God sees there is light in my soul. He sees that somewhere through all of the hardness, caused by years of failings, there is promise and He has never given up on me.
Did you know it takes 17 muscles to smile and nearly 43 to frown? Why do we work so hard to display an emotion that is so counterproductive to anything we deal with in our daily lives? There are so many demands, and so much stress placed on each of us every day that it would seem to make sense to seek out some form of an outlet to these distractions, some escape. Yet, more often than not, the exact opposite is the end result. We're a little too impatient with the guy that sits a tick too long at the green light, or the person who rushes into the bank right in front of us just so they don't have to wait. Or perhaps we mutter bad words under our breath when the mom comes hurrying out of the store, nearly running into us, or the rude shopper who takes at least 20 items through the express lane. Why do these incidents affect us so negatively? Because we have been programmed to react in these given situations by those around us, and others we see react similarly. All this proves is that we are not in control of our lives, and what kind of way is that to live?
The next time you are confronted by a similar circumstance I would challenge you to view the moment through the other individuals' eyes. Try to imagine what may be happening in their lives to make them react this way. Think about some of the things that affect the way we interact on a daily basis, accept the humanity of the offense and alter your mindset. Try holding the door for the person, in just a little bit more of a hurry than you; assist the harried mom on her way out the door. Wave politely to the man as he pulls away, obviously embarrassed he has caused such an inconvenience to someone else. Be kind. It will make you feel better...guaranteed.
People are seeking out someone who will listen. They want desperately for someone to care. Displaying these characteristics, even for the briefest of moments, can cultivate an unimaginable result, mainly because it is not the norm. People want non-conformists. We all need non-conformity. Dare to reach out and help where it is needed, and mostly unexpected. Perform a deed which is simple in practice, but exceptional in spirit. Have faith in your fellow man, hold out hope for the power of people...and love; the greatest, most simple gift we can give to another.
Until tomorrow,
Scott
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