We were driving back home from the supermarket with our weekly shopping. My daughter was in the car too and is always included in this weekly chore, not because we’re trying to spend quality time as a family but so that she can carry the bags of shopping.
If you lived with me, you would know that I love old people.
When I see an old person on the street, something happens to me. My feet start moving towards them and, before you know it, I am standing in front of asking them if I can carry their bags (yes, handbags included) or if I could buy them a meal.
I am getting a lecture from the husband on how my ways can be misconstrued and how I could be seen as a crazy & dangerous person.
For instance, today I saw an old lady loading her car with her shopping and, within seconds, I was right behind with the intention to help. Instead I ended up making her jump in fright.
For instance, today I saw an old lady loading her car with her shopping and, within seconds, I was right behind with the intention to help. Instead I ended up making her jump in fright.
And then I ran away from the scene because I was too embarrassed to say,“I was only trying to help.”
My husband says he is petrified that I may either be arrested or beaten up by some old person or their relative if I don’t stop my weird obsession to help the elderly.
My daughter finds this extremely funny. For some reason, her mother getting into trouble with the law is very amusing to her.
My daughter finds this extremely funny. For some reason, her mother getting into trouble with the law is very amusing to her.
So I decide to give her some advice on respect.
Me : Anoushka, I think it’s extremely important you learned to respect people.(I’m obviously talking about myself here but people seems more general and less dictatorial.)
Her: Should I respect everyone?
(I’m thrilled she is such a keen listener and learner. Hmm, maybe the apple hasn’t fallen too far from the tree.)
Me: Yes, you must respect everyone. EVERYONE.
Her: *with a grin on her face* So I want to get this right, Mom. You want me to respect terrorists, rapists and murderers?
Damn that ‘Law and Order’ for providing my child with knowledge of criminal activity.
I am not how to answer this one, so I do what I always do when I’m stuck – Turn to the one and only Jesus, who is my saviour literally in this case and every other case.
Me: I personally don’t think they deserve respect but Jesus says in
Luke 6, ‘Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.’
Luke 6, ‘Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.’
We all spend the rest of the journey in silence, each in our thoughts.
I’m thinking about what Jesus said. “Love your enemies. Be good to those who hurt you.”
Instead of living in fear and being angry about all the evil in our world, what if we prayed collectively for all the evil people on a daily basis?
What if our prayers could save our planet? That would be awesome.
I have decided to say a prayer everyday at 9pm for all the terrorists, criminals and even the random people who hurt us on a regular basis.
I hope you can do the same too.
I hope you can do the same too.
As always, thank for being you and your valuable time.
And if you’re seen as a weirdo, maybe it’s not such a bad thing, especially if you’re a good weirdo.
Live each day with faith and passion & never stop dreaming,
xo
Indu