If you visit an animal shelter you will probably find the heart wrenching sight of a dog lying on the concrete floor with their face toward the corner of their kennel and paying no attention to the bed or food provided for them. The animal is obviously scared, depressed and sad. Either they have been abused by a human or, just as bad, the loving family they thought they were a part of has deserted them. Either way it will take a whole lot of love and patience in order to rescue them, gain their trust and give them a new home and new life.
We are sensitive to an animal who is suffering like that, but we often aren’t aware of people around us who are suffering from similar abuse or loss. That is because people are better at hiding their pain than other animals. We may not sense their pain until we inadvertently say or do something that hits a nerve and we are shocked by their defensive reaction, Even then, we can’t understand why they are so upset. It might have nothing to do with what we said or our action, but they just need to release some of their pain on someone else.
Last Saturday morning at breakfast, one member of or group told aa joke that involved his ethnic group and we all laughed with him. There was nothing vulgar or hateful said. A little later, a woman came by our table on her way out and yelled, “You guys may think that is funny but I am teaching my daughter to be more sensitive than that.” We tried to explain, but she had made her judgement about us and just wanted to vent her pain on us and leave. At the time I was offended by her false impression of us, but now I just hope her rant made her feel better about whatever was causing her pain.
How can we, as children of God, be more aware of someone’s hidden suffering? If we pay close attention to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, He alone can give us that kind of discernment; like He did for that new preacher in the story I shared last week. We can also treat everyone we meet with love, kindness and gentleness. There may still be someone who overhears a portion of a conversation and misunderstands; like the woman at the restaurant, but we must not take their reaction personally.
The last two years with fear of illness and the limits imposed have put some added stress on all of us. Don’t take it out on those around you. Just accept the peace that only comes from a close relationship with God and the help others to find that peace too.