What do we want?
Life is such an interesting journey. There are people whom we know and many more we don't who wander through each day trying to avoid getting hurt, getting stressed and who hope to slip below the 'radar'. To a casual observer, it might well appear many people are wanting not really to live, but to simply exist. Seemingly people are generally afraid of the occasional bump and grind of bumping into people or objects. It somehow calls to mind a scene I saw at a show we have each Easter called the Royal Easter Show, where dodgem cars or bumper cars have a big pavilion. In it, people drive with the object of avoiding a collision. Whilst me on the other hand loved the collisions. It was harmless fun that brought much joy and happiness, not only to me but also to others. I love seeing people who start off upset and stern and in a few moments soften and smile, then laugh.
I am often intrigued by the behaviours of people.
There are many times when people in a conversation will listen to you only so they can wait for a break in what you say, so they can interject and add what they are thinking about or feeling. In such situations one can be found asking the question "do you know what I am saying?" only to be met with a "yep, yep, but can you understand what I am saying?" . One can go around in circles speaking much and never reaching a point of conciliation or real understanding. In those situations people often feel isolated and disconnected, yet the very essence of what we all want is often sabotaged by nobody but ourselves. It seems on the surface that we exist largely in a series of monologues, eager for everyone to understand us but having little or no presence of mind to want to understand others.
Whilst reflecting on this I was sitting on the steps of a city church checking my emails when I was again wrenched back to the city streets in amazement at the growing number of people walking past garbage bins and reaching in to find food. I have been so oblivious to the numbers of people that are doing this and my heart again went out to them. I looked at the passers by who avoided the street people as if to hopefully avoid smelling, or touching them. I saw one woman with her trolley of what looked like junk to me but represented all her earthly possessions scowl at all of the passers by. I walked deliberately up to her with her bottle of cheap wine and cigarette and said hello, which instantly bought a smile to her face, then I spoke with her. I asked if she was hungry and she said I would love a toasted sandwich. I couldn't find a place nearby that had one, so not wanting to return to her empty handed, I just got her some cakes and returned to her and she asked can I give you anything?. I choked back my tears and said simply, 'no, you already have given me something'. 'What is that?' she said, I smiled and walked away.
What she had given me was the opportunity to see. The chance to see her, the growing numbers of people in need and all in my city that I love. She gave me the chance to be of service. I am so very grateful for all that I have, and again affirm that the distance between us all is so very small. If I hear another person use the excuse that they choose to be here and therefore are devoid of my care, concern or assistance where possible I will just scream.
I am often intrigued by the behaviours of people.
There are many times when people in a conversation will listen to you only so they can wait for a break in what you say, so they can interject and add what they are thinking about or feeling. In such situations one can be found asking the question "do you know what I am saying?" only to be met with a "yep, yep, but can you understand what I am saying?" . One can go around in circles speaking much and never reaching a point of conciliation or real understanding. In those situations people often feel isolated and disconnected, yet the very essence of what we all want is often sabotaged by nobody but ourselves. It seems on the surface that we exist largely in a series of monologues, eager for everyone to understand us but having little or no presence of mind to want to understand others.
Whilst reflecting on this I was sitting on the steps of a city church checking my emails when I was again wrenched back to the city streets in amazement at the growing number of people walking past garbage bins and reaching in to find food. I have been so oblivious to the numbers of people that are doing this and my heart again went out to them. I looked at the passers by who avoided the street people as if to hopefully avoid smelling, or touching them. I saw one woman with her trolley of what looked like junk to me but represented all her earthly possessions scowl at all of the passers by. I walked deliberately up to her with her bottle of cheap wine and cigarette and said hello, which instantly bought a smile to her face, then I spoke with her. I asked if she was hungry and she said I would love a toasted sandwich. I couldn't find a place nearby that had one, so not wanting to return to her empty handed, I just got her some cakes and returned to her and she asked can I give you anything?. I choked back my tears and said simply, 'no, you already have given me something'. 'What is that?' she said, I smiled and walked away.
What she had given me was the opportunity to see. The chance to see her, the growing numbers of people in need and all in my city that I love. She gave me the chance to be of service. I am so very grateful for all that I have, and again affirm that the distance between us all is so very small. If I hear another person use the excuse that they choose to be here and therefore are devoid of my care, concern or assistance where possible I will just scream.
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