Two or so years ago Rocky was in the check-out line at the local Walgreens. Ahead of him were a mother and small boy. The child asked
for candy and selected what he wanted and placed it on the counter. The mother said
no; the boy asked why; the mother said because she couldn’t afford it.
Knowing the cashier Rocky signaled to her that he would pay
for the candy. The mother protested but Rocky assured her it was his treat and
she could pay it forward for someone else another time. She smiled and said her
thanks. The boy was happy. Everyone had smiles on their faces.
Jump forward to this week. Rocky was thirsty for diet cola,
something he eliminated from his diet. But a sensitive tummy suggested maybe
the cola was needed to settle his stomach. So he ventured out across the street
from our apartment building and visited the small Mexican grocery store. A week
before he had bought one bottle of diet cola for 99 cents. So, having a little
over $2 he picked up 2 bottles. When the cashier rang up $3.21, he realized the
cola was now priced at $1.50 per bottle and that he had earlier purchased it
while on sale. He didn’t have enough to buy two bottles so he started to return
one of the bottles when a lady behind him with her daughter stepped forward and
paid for the second cola.
Rocky said he would go home and get more money, but she
insisted she would pay for the treat. She smiled and Rocky knew he needed to
accept this act of generosity. When he did, she smiled and said, “Thank you!”
He glanced at her daughter who was also beaming.
Both the woman and daughter wore hijabs. They were Muslim
and shortly afterward Rocky realized the woman was happy to help because it
made her feel good. He felt certain the woman’s action was also her way to say
Muslims are generous people, too. The shared smiles among the three almost led
to tears. A connection was made.
Paying it forward is a good thing for all of us whether on
the giving or receiving end of things. Allowing our feelings to come forward is
a good thing. It nurtures humility. And each of us can benefit from a good dose
of that.
Each time I read a news account of discrimination playing
out against Muslims I cringe and wonder if I should visit an Islamic Study
Center. We have one just a few miles away. I wonder if I offer to help them in
some way if my action would be understood and accepted. Although I would offer
the help, it is they who help me understand them better by allowing the
interaction in the first place.
I think I better understand why Rocky and the woman and
daughter nearly wept through their smiles that day. Yes, we have to have these
encounters. It enriches our lives in so many dimensions.
And to that I say Amen!
April 28, 2016
And that was the point of the Good Samaritan story that so many pay lip service to but never emulate. It is easy to forget that the Samaritan was, at least in the eyes of those who first heard the story, a religious heretic and a political enemy.
ReplyDelete