I've been observing much about human nature lately, thanks to the wonderfulness of a commute on BART each day. Believe me, the experience has made me think a lot about how we act and interact and has also been teaching me again the lesson of patience (which is a whole different conversation).
This particular instance is from a month or so ago...
A lot of people are very confused by the system: which train to catch, which station we're on, etc. One day a couple rushed onto the train, pulling their rolling luggage behind them. They had decided on the last minute that this must be the right train for where they're going. But then, once inside, realized they were wrong, turned to get off, and were met with the doors swiftly shut in their faces.
Now, I don't know where they were trying to go or where they were coming from. But it seemed they were embarking on vacation (luggage in tow and all) which I know is a whole frenzied rush, and coupled with trying to take BART to the airport, which I've heard can be frustrating.
Next stop comes, they disembark, obviously still looking around trying to get a handle on where they are and how to get where they're trying to go. However, instead of asking someone on the full train or on the platform they got off on, they timidly cross to the other side, hoping for the best I suppose.
It got me thinking about this thing in human nature that makes many of us avoid asking a stranger for help. This couple was obviously confused, and yet decided to keep doing what they're doing, traveling in the wrong directions seeking their destination. A short conversation would have helped them completely but it didn't happen.
So then consider the thought of "who is your neighbor?" Who should you be helping, no matter how small the assistance? The idea applies to those you live next door to or down the street from, in the name of building a strong community. But I think it also applies to our fellow man as well. Everyone should be considered your neighbor, everyone is worthy of your help if you can help them.
I wish that more people felt comfortable asking help from others, even if they are strangers. And I hope that each of us, including myself, will be willing to help someone who looks like they can use a little bit of help.
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You know, I think we all can relate to this story: Whether you're the one who is lost or the one who could help. But either way, each side has that unique sense of... well, I don't know if it's pride or something else. But, from the stance of the lost traveler, it could be not wanting to look naive or confused or lost. From the person who knows the way, it could be feeling that we don't want to speak unless spoken to or that we feel we need to be asked. Maybe it has a lot to do with comfort levels and stepping out of our own little bubbles and either raising that white flag or offering the hand of assistance, whichever situation we may be in.
This whole concept of "neighbor" can be a difficult one though. We're kinda conditioned on that word growing up to believe that it is those we live next to or at least on our street. Though I believe Jesus uses it much more loosely. In the Mr. Rogers sense, he asked us all to be his neighbor. He did so cheerfully and out of a genuine desire for betterment; ours and his. Mutual betterment. Relationship. Neighbor-ship. A beautiful concept that I too strive to live out in my day-to-day life.
To Know, Love and Reflect Jesus in our community and world; our global neighborhood.
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