What do we see when we look at others? Do we superficially compare ourselves in some prideful way or do we develop a tinge of jealousy because they appear younger or better looking, maybe in better condition? I thought this following story was humorous and maybe described how some of us really are.
“Have you ever been guilty of looking at others your own age and thinking, Surely I can’t look that old? Well…You’ll love this one. My name is Alice, and I was sitting in the waiting room for my first appointment with a new dentist. I noticed his DDS diploma on the wall, which bore his full name. Suddenly, I remembered a tall, handsome, dark-haired boy with the same name had been in my high school class some 30-odd years ago. Could he be the same guy that I had a secret crush on, way back then? Upon seeing him, however, I quickly discarded any such thought. This balding, gray-haired man with the deeply lined face was way too old to have been my classmate. After he examined my teeth, I asked him if he had attended Kau high school. ‘Yes. Yes, I did. I’m a Trojan,’ he gleamed with pride. ‘When did you graduate?’ I asked. He answered, “in 1979. Why do you ask?’’ You were in my class!’ I exclaimed! He looked at me closely. Then, that ugly, old, bald, wrinkled, gray-haired, decrepit person, asked, ‘What did you teach?” Things often backfire, don’t they?
All are our fellow travelers on this planet earth, earth, a huge ball spinning around on its axis, while at the same time it is revolving around another very huge ball of fire. If we all had that picture clearly in our minds every minute, of every day, would we be in constant terror. Knowing that the only thing that keeps us from spinning off into space is an unseen force, a mostly unexplained force called gravity. If people had that picture in their minds they would be in constant fear and hugging trees. The only knowledge that prevents that picture from terrifying those of us who know and are aware of that reality, is the knowledge of who is in control. Some of our fellow travelers, travel in peace, in blissful ignorance because they are either unaware of our universal involvement or they don’t believe it has anything to do with them. They believe that it is a problem for the astronomers and scientists to worry about.
There are some of us who have no fear because we believe in God, He who is the most intelligent being (person) in the universe. Knowing that He created (organized) this planet specifically for us. A place for us to grow, learn and become a little more like Him, our Father. It is a planet specifically designed to give us those experiences that would help us grow. No! We do not have to fear that we may spin off into space for He knew precisely what it would take in the design process to keep us ‘well grounded’ for the duration of our stay. Yes! There are hazards that we have to be aware of, some are self-imposed, others are designed to challenge us. To enhance our learning and strengthen us physically, mentally and spiritually.
As we look at others, knowing that they are, in fact fellow travellers on planet earth, we realize that some do not know the reason for our sojourn, they are ignorant of their very own purpose for existence. I have sometimes observed others and know that they are travelling in ignorant bliss, they seem happy and satisfied with their travel arrangements. But they are completely unaware of who planned their trip or even where they are going, or when they are supposed to get off. They haven’t bothered to know anything about the mode of transportation they are on, they haven’t taken any measurements, they don’t know the length, width or thickness of this vehicle earth. They have not asked anything about the creator (Architect) nor His reputation in regards to past performance. Others who know nothing about it travel in constant fear, wondering where they are and where it is taking them. They are fearful about what might be at the next stop. So, they eat, drink and try to make merry knowing only that some day they have to get off.
Looking at others, our fellow travelers, makes one joyful for those who know where they are going and it makes one sad for those who travel in ignorance, unknowing of where they are going or even why. For some the world is spinning too fast and for others it doesn’t matter at all. What a feeling of peace that comes to those who know from early on, where they are going, what kind of transportation they are travelling on, and who is driving it. Too, it is so important to understand why we are travelling and what the expectation is. Do we have any obligation and what should we be doing while we travel here?
Looking at our fellow travelers makes us wonder, wonder what they know and we wonder if what they do not know is what makes them happy, makes them fearful or makes them tender. God help us all to research our destination and to make sure we know how to get there in one piece.
As an informed traveller we have an obligation to make the trip as pleasant as we can for our fellow travellers. Remember that life is about love, we should give it freely whenever we can. Usually it will come back to us. We have some wonderful muscles in our faces, muscles that make it possible for us to smile. We should use those muscles and smile at everyone we meet. People respond to the look you are wearing on your face. The more we smile the more pleasant our collective trip will be. They respond to positive treatment in a positive way and they respond to negative treatment negatively. Therefore we should ask ourselves, “How are people responding to me?” There is a proverb that states; “It is easy to halve the potato where there is love”
Those of us involved in family history have another and even different perspective, that of our ancestors. The following poem asks us how we might look at those who travelled before. How well did they travel?
If you could see your ancestors
All standing in a row
Would you be proud of them or not? Or don’t you really know? Some strange discoveries are made In climbing family trees.
And some of them, you know, Do not particularly please.
If you could see your ancestors
All standing in a row,
There might be some of them perhaps you shouldn’t care to know.
But here’s another question
Which requires a different view-
If you could meet your ancestors Would they be proud of you?
—Nellie Winslow Simmons Randall
One day we will meet those of our family who traveled over this planet earth before we did. It is a legitimate question in regards to how they will see us?