I once had a conversation with my parish priest about how "nothing is at it appears to be." Though this seems to be a broad statement, I think this is true for anything in this life.
There is so much complexity that comprises everything in this reality; from a glass of water, to an insect, and especially a human being. For us human beings, we are the manifestation of both a spiritual and a physical being. So, what we see of another person is just the tip of the iceberg that sits above the surface. The real substance is mostly unseen, hidden beneath the deep blue water, unknown to you and me. We only get glimpses of who each person is, when we talk to or see a person.
Wherever you are in your day, when you encounter another person, just think about how much you don't know about him or her. No matter how it may "appear," each person has, has had or will have their own struggles. Perhaps this makes you feel better, but I think the more saintly response is compassion and empathy: realizing that life is difficult at times for everyone, no matter how "put together" someone may "seem" to be.
So as you start this new school year, I challenge you to encounter the souls of the people you are with, encounter their story. We all have a lot to tell, and even more to learn. Remember, we are all made of the seen and unseen. In Christ, we can see others through God's eyes.
Check out this song sung by Nichole Nordeman: In Your Eyes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSNnWH_rE7Q
In Christ's Peace,
Kristina
There is so much complexity that comprises everything in this reality; from a glass of water, to an insect, and especially a human being. For us human beings, we are the manifestation of both a spiritual and a physical being. So, what we see of another person is just the tip of the iceberg that sits above the surface. The real substance is mostly unseen, hidden beneath the deep blue water, unknown to you and me. We only get glimpses of who each person is, when we talk to or see a person.
Wherever you are in your day, when you encounter another person, just think about how much you don't know about him or her. No matter how it may "appear," each person has, has had or will have their own struggles. Perhaps this makes you feel better, but I think the more saintly response is compassion and empathy: realizing that life is difficult at times for everyone, no matter how "put together" someone may "seem" to be.
So as you start this new school year, I challenge you to encounter the souls of the people you are with, encounter their story. We all have a lot to tell, and even more to learn. Remember, we are all made of the seen and unseen. In Christ, we can see others through God's eyes.
Check out this song sung by Nichole Nordeman: In Your Eyes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSNnWH_rE7Q
In Christ's Peace,
Kristina