Ugh..........

That is how I would describe my day. Nothing had gone “right” and there was a huge disappointment I experienced earlier where I felt like a total failure. I was pretty sad and couldn't wait to get home. So needless to say I was kind of grumpy as I am leaving a packed- like-sardines subway. I exit and move towards the stairs heading into the blistering cold when these two people in front of me suddenly stop. In my mind I’m thinking “what is wrong with you people? Don’t you know the rules(aka….the rules I’ve invented)?” I literally almost tried to shove my way around them when I hesitated and I took a closer look. It was a young preteen girl and her grandmother. The girl had asked her grandma for money, which she then in turn gave to the homeless woman at the top of the stairs- the one who I was so willing to rush by in my urgent “need” to get home and decompress. Talk about feeling like a jerk! I tried to tell them that it was inspiring to see them give to someone in need, but they were French and the only French that was running through my mind was the lyrics to Frere Jacques. So I didn’t get into the conversation I’d hoped with them, but rather an interesting conversation with God and my own selfish heart. Then about an hour later, I head to small group. What are we studying this evening? Oh the passage of the Good Samaritan. It hit me again- wow I am the Levite who often passes on the other side of the street, who is so caught up in my own little world that I forget to love my neighbor as myself. I started to look at this passage from another angle. Every other time I’ve read it, I always assumed the Levite and priest were thinking “I’m so much better than this guy. I have my act together. I would never associate of someone of this status….” But what if they were actually thinking “oh gosh- someone should really help this guy. Too bad I’m in such a hurry. I’m going to hope and pray someone stops.” I sadly have to admit I can often identify with the latter- the “good intentions gal.” While I do think this passage can point towards homeless people, I wonder if it could go much further and extend to anyone who is in deep need- physical, emotional, or spiritual. Am I praying to be aware and in tune to the needs of those around me, or am I caught up in a bubble consumed with self? Anyways, just some thoughts today that I thought I’d share.