I watched this unfold while sitting at Starbucks a few mornings ago. It took place in an affluent Middle Eastern city but could have taken place anywhere on the planet. Three young folks,
millennials if you're into such labels, were drinking coffee, smoking and happily chatting about whatever it is they happily chat about. A little girl, about 10 years-old, approached their table and asked them to buy a rose so she could buy food for her family. Initially they ignored her but she persisted. Finally her begging was too much, poverty and French roast apparently dont compliment one another. So, the lady with her back to me looked at the little girl and said with not a little venom, 'No! We dont want it! Get away from here!" and turned back to her friends. Beggars are used to such talk, it's anticipated. The girl rebuffed but undeterred, stood silently watching them, sipping their cigarettes, eating their pastries, smoking their cigarettes, talking with their buddies...ignoring her, for 5-10 minutes before walking off, holding her flowers.
I watched this, mad. "
Look at them!" I growled to myself.
"They are so selfish!" Then the hammer of the Spirit smacked me in the forehead. Now, you probably only need the Spirit to whisper to you, but us thick-headed folks need something a bit more substantial. These words popped into my mind. "Hey you! Judge and jury, sitting there sipping your $4 latte. Before criticizing those kids over there, let me ask you a question. What did you do to help that little girl?" Ouch! How often have I walked by outstretched hands, rolled up my window to tapping fingers, ingored little girls selling roses?
Oh God! Forgive me for my callousness and failures to love my neighbors but also please forgive me for judging those around me that dont live up to expectations I so often abjectly fail to keep myself. Help me Father, remove the plank from my eyes and love the world You came to save. Amen!
