A group of men and women in their 50s and 60s frequently gather near my office building. The group size generally ranges from four to seven people. Each is an alcoholic and frequently a couple of them are quite drunk, especially during the first half of the month.
I treat those in the group like other folks in our small town when I meet them. I wave, say hello, shake their hands, and get to know their names and what’s going in their lives.
I am not certain why so many people turn their head when they approach the group or walk by the group without acknowledging them. Just a few steps beyond the group, those same people will show an unrestrained expression of kindness toward someone stepping out of the bank.
Clearly, we have the ability to be kind to those we choose. We came forth from the same source, and each of us is pursuing our purpose wherever that may lead us. Some were given better life situations and starts in life than others, but we are on this journey together.
We should all challenge ourselves to be a little kinder to all folks, even those from whom we can never expect anything in return.
When growing up in Kentucky, I attended a revival service at a Southern Baptist Church with friends. As the service was beginning, a woman who was unfamiliar with the church arrived dressed in dark pants. Almost before the double doors could close behind her, the minister stepped down from the podium and met her at the back of the church. The minister asked her to leave the service because she was not properly dressed. With the entire congregation looking at her, she turned and left.
The image of that woman at the back of the church has stayed with me throughout life. I often wonder what happened to her, and how that experience affected her spirituality. I also wonder why not one person in that church, including me, stood up for her and argued on her behalf.
Who in your life needs you to stand up for them today?
An interesting article appeared on the New York Times website last week entitled The Meaning of Life. In the article the author, Roger Cohen, address the age old question, “What’s life for?”
The article discusses a caloric restriction experiment conducted on monkeys. In an effort to control aging, one monkey group was permitted to consume an endless amount of food daily. The other group’s food consumption was restricted.
Though the calorie restricted monkeys appear slimmer and at least visibly healthier, Cohen is not swayed by the experiment. Cohen makes a strong argument for the joys of life gained by good food and laugher, concluding that laughter extends life.
I agree with Cohen that laughter extends life. Perhaps the best recipe for an extended life is delicious meals with great friends.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009÷07/16/opinion/16iht-edcohen.html?_r=2&ref=opinion