Serving Others

Do you remember when you were little and your parents made you go to church (assuming you are Christian)? They used to tell you how Jesus was a servant and how back in those days when you entered a home the host would wash your feet.

I got to thinking about that sermon for some reason. I remember how innocent I was back then. I knew nothing of sex, drugs, violence or misfortune. I remember how willing I was to help others, how hospitable.

As I look back, I realize that I am still that same person, I still want to be helpful and hospitable towards others but I find that with the problems we face in society today, it makes me weary of who I should be this way toward. I know it is wrong to be judgmental. I know I should show kindness to everyone and give everyone the benefit of the doubt but how do I do that when people tend to be so cruel and take advantage of one another? I have been at the receiving end of that for a very long time.

I have decided that irregardless of how people treat me I am going to be kind no matter what. My grandfather used to say, "You cannot teach a dog to be kind by beating it." I agree. You cannot teach a person to love by hating them.

So despite all of the differences of opinion, of religion, of culture and of upbringing, I am going to treat everyone, even those who look creepy and untrustworthy, the same. I am going to be kind to them. Maybe some day it will save my life.