It’s so easy to believe that the invisible, unknown person is somewhere, doing things of which we disapprove. It isn’t hard to imagine them, wanting more than their fair share in life, wanting special privileges, hacking away at the moral fibers of our nation, destroying what we hold dear.
But what if they stopped being nameless and faceless? What if we knew them? What if we took the time to understand the other?
What if that person we want to hate, blame, judge, or distrust is closer than we think? Would we see that person differently? Would we be able to extend a hand in friendship, be fellow travelers in this life?
What would change if that person lived in your neighborhood? Would you smile and wave when you saw him outside mowing his lawn? Would you invite her in for a cup of tea?
What if that person worked in the grocery store? Would you avoid that checkout lane, or would you look at it as an opportunity to show love to the other?
What if that person were your child’s teacher? Would you be angry, ask for your child to be moved? Would you trust your child to that person’s care?
What if that person were a friend, someone letting you into part of his or her life, sharing secrets and pain? Would you listen then?
What if that person were your own flesh and blood? The same person you looked at across the dinner table when you were growing up? The same person with whom you fought over television shows and toys? What would that change for you?
What would it take for you, or for me, or for anyone to really hear each other?
