Occasionally we are allowed to see beauty
that goes far
beyond outward physical appearances.
For a slight few seconds I was
agitated as I tried to make my way out of the local Wal-Mart store. Why on earth had the couple in front of me
slowed to a virtual crawl? Didn’t they
know I had to get back to work? But
those slight few seconds were all it took for me to realize another couple just
in front of them was the reason we were all moving so slowly.
I didn’t know the specifics of
the relationship between these two. They
could have been husband and wife – or brother and sister – or even mother and
son. The lady had turned her head just
slightly and I could see that she was elderly; but I couldn’t see the
gentleman’s face. I had no clue as to
his age. Besides, I’ve learned not to
assume too much these days.
What I did see was much more
important than their appearance, or their age … or even the basic premise of
their relationship. What I saw was the substance of the relationship between
them. She moved slowly... leaning on the cart for
support as much as she was pushing it. He
walked just slightly ahead of her – holding on to the side of the shopping cart.
As I slowed down, I began to see
what was actually happening. And my
agitation quickly dissipated. I was
seeing beauty in action. He wasn’t holding on to that cart to rush her
– or pull her along. No, he made a
deliberate choice to match his pace with hers. He had done it as a protective
measure, really. He remained right there
with her….really with her. He guided her. I saw him turn toward her – perhaps to check
her progress … possibly to encourage her along.
For all my guessing, the only thing
I really knew was that he was not pulling on that shopping cart. He stood straighter than she did and was clearly in better physical
condition. The words exchanged between them were quietly
spoken, but I could see her smile and nod in assent. They continued on toward the exit.
I was third in this little
caravan. There was a couple between me
and the first couple. Like me, they were
originally walking much more quickly.
But as they approached the first couple, they slowed down. They didn’t get in a huff or act rudely. They
didn’t try to squeeze around the older lady and her companion. Not one grunt, groan or word of complaint was
heard. They simply slackened their pace.
By slowing down the way they did,
this couple acted with respect. We don’t
often see that kind of respect anymore. How
many of our children know what it means to act with consideration of others in
mind? Have they ever even heard the phrase “common
courtesy?” Sometimes it seems like it
has gone by the wayside. Yet I was privileged to witness it take place
right in front of me. Again, I realized
I was watching beauty in action.
It seems we live very hurried
lives often leaving no room for thinking about the other guy (or gal). We stay in our own little impenetrable world. We don’t even notice the people who walk past
us in a store – at work – and yes, sometimes even in our own church
buildings. We miss the person who might
need a smile. We miss the opportunity to
do good for someone.
Circumstances made me slow down
that day. I’m glad. I’m glad because I got to see beauty. I saw
the beauty of peaceful companionship. I
saw the beauty of compassion --- of being protected – of kindness. I saw a beautiful incident of common courtesy
and patience.
This incident happened weeks ago and
yet the scene is imprinted on my mind. I’ve
thought about it over and over again; but I found it difficult to put into
the right words. I guess what I’m trying
to say is even the smallest of gestures are important. They matter. They enrich our lives.
Some little thing seemingly insignificant to us may become something
someone else never forgets. Our kindness – goodness—respect for one
another is important. Our common
courtesy – our love will bring beauty to life not only for our neighbors; but
for ourselves. As a Christian it is our
duty to be beauty in action.
SO many Bible verses come to mind
– but perhaps these will do --for tonight anyway:
Luke 6:31 – “And as you wish that others
would do to you, do so to them.” (Also
found in Matthew 7:12 )
James 2:8 – “If you really fulfill the royal
law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you
are doing well.”
Inspired
by the Holy Spirit Solomon wrote “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11a) I am so thankful God gave me the “time” to see
beauty in Wal-Mart that day.
Christ above all things,
Robin Whitley
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