Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Walking to work, pt.2

The walk to work is a time for deep thinking. So here is today's amazing message for the world (aka myself):

As I was walking in to work, I passed a guy who looked rough -- earrings, tatoos, an angry scowl on his face. It made me think he was angry at the world, or something, and it launched me into this sophomoric "philosophical" mode where I split the world into two camps, those who believe in God and have hope in a better tomorrow, and those who think that first group is stupid.
It made me upset at the people who I unfairly stereotype at church -- those people who have this supposed christ-like faith but aren't more kind and accepting of people like my new hardened tattoo buddy. I even thought that these so-called church-goers are actually the ones who push people to the extremes like this.

Stupid, huh.

But my conclusion was that instead of being angry and unfair to my churchy brothers and sisters, I could try to be one of the few "enlightened" ones who is not petty and intolerant (or a bad speller -- or, eh hem, a hypocritical elitist) -- one who is actually kind and generous and friendly to all people (and animals, too). What are my angry spiritual tattoos? Where are my angry spiritual piercings? Why must I be so judgmental? I should stop thinking I'm all that and just be a better, kinder person.

Pretty good piece of thinking, huh? All this in about 35 steps. And if that isn't proof of my eminant brilliance, I don't know what is.
All signs point to...

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow, I really enjoyed what you had to say. This is exactly how I feel. I also find it easier to be more critical of those who are consider themselves as "righteous" or those who pursue the Christian idea of "righteousness". Why is that? Maybe human nature makes us judge people who share our same lifestyle. Maybe we expect more of people similar to ourselves? Or maybe it is the anthropologist in me that finds people who are not like myself, fascinating... and therefore I am more likely to accept them for who they are. Definitely something to think about and definitely something to work on too.

Great food for thought. And yes, you exhude brilliance... 'you're a shining star, no matter who you are, shining bright to see, what you can truly be, what you can truly be..."

-mesudora

Into the Wood's said...

I haven't been to your site for a while first being gone to NYC for a week then all the catch up--getting back-- i just have to say that I really appreciate your mindfulness. It goes along with some thoughts I found myself caught up in the as I saw so many different faces on the subways, on the streets in that other big city-- I could feel sadness and heavy burdens around people-- I found myself saying silent prayers for their well-being.

There was one little boy probably about 6 who was with a man perhaps in his 20s. The boy was so full of life and I could see the care the 'dad' (?) had for him-- but the dad looked worn, even at that young age and I hurt thinking of what kind of life was ahead for the boy. There is not so much of contrast in this Utah world i live in-- at least not where I spend most of my days-- people still have challenges I know but that in-your-face kind of awareness that you describe does rip you out of complacency. I just want to say that I appreciate that you have those thoughts and that you share them ..once again.