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KINDNESS - 6/30/2007 6:16:26 AM

Bluemoon

Posts: 164
Joined: 4/22/2007
Status: offline

Don't ask me why, I really don't know.........I just have to share this.

I was praying and lighting my candles for others in the ALL group tonight, when I remembered a man I met today....I had been thinking about him most of the day, so I thought I'd light a candle for him too.....

But actually this has bothered me all day....................

My day at work was going pretty good...I was busy but happy at my work..As I came out of our office in my usually hurry and rush, I noticed a poor soul looking so lost, people ignoring him as he stood....The look on his face, so confusing, lost, looking for something.....So in my rush, i couldn't resist...I went to him and asked, "May I help you?" As I looked in his eyes, so confused, so gentle, his body trembling uncontrollably, He told me "Please, Please help me" and told me what he needed....and what he wanted, I realized.... this poor soul was one who was not so fortunate to have a great life, he was struggling to keep his mind where it belonged...he fought his trembling hands to keep them still, as he told me his story his anger grew, feeling so neglected, so left out, so unimportant....

I realized with each word he got out.....I needed to really listen to him, give him time, and in my mind i knew my boss was waiting on me..........I made the decision to put my boss on hold, this man needed to be heard, he needed someone to help him.......

After hearing of his dilemma.... and doing a little research on the computer,... I realized my co-workers who were responsible for him had indeed did him a disservice, they had neglected him....they did not do there job.

So first I tried to comfort him and let him know I was there, I patted his cold trembling hand, I gave him a warm smile, I assured him I will help....I ask him to wait while I went to the people who were responsible...I gave them a brief, but insisted he needed to be taken care of NOW!!!! To my amazement and disgust...my coworker said "NOT NOW!!!" I have to much to do... "I'll call him"..I persisted ...only to get a "Well he'll just have to wait".....knowing this man was not going to wait without anger......How cold my co-worker was.... how full of themselves they are....Normally slow to anger myself, my anger welled up, I just wanted to slap this person...But thank-god for age and wisdom, I did not. So I went to my co-workers Supervisor only to be met with the same cold attitude with a dash of anger at me......... and in total denial that they could not have been at fault...even tho I had done my research...... that supervisor was to busy reading there e-mail.............

I had wasted so much precious time on these worthless people....What was I to do to help this poor soul???? How can people be so uncaring, what kind of world do I live in????

Gathering my self together, finding calmness, Ok.....What is the next best thing I can do to help????? I ran back to the man, and explained that he WILL be taken care of....With careful words I told him how best I could help him, I told him what I would do....I assured him I was there for him. I let him know he was so very important...I wrote down who will call him and how they will take care of him and answered all the "WHYS" for him. With out telling him of the selfish people I work with and there incompetents.....

I began to see a smile from him...his tremors began to slow, his eyes had life in them again, his voice was gentle, his anger left....As he began to leave he thanked me many times, he smiled at me, he was so humbled he was content with his answers... he got what he needed. His last words to me were "BLESS YOU" and he patted my hand and left......

How grateful I was for this poor soul, he touched my heart.... And I thank-him for his blessing. It was a great feeling to smile at this man. He made my day better.

But as I turned away to get back to my job.....how sick i felt inside at these people I work with....I thought to my self...are these the people who would not answer the door If Jesus came and said help me????.....Would they be smug if Jesus said please share your food with me????? Would they not pick up Jesus if he fell?????

Normally, I can ignore the ignorance of others, but today and why I don't know this has gotten to me.....

Yes, this has bothered me all day, and even now as I type these words, I think about this man I met today, An American Veteran, who in his youth he did his job for his country, for what ever reason he has a heavy burden in his mind and soul. And yet I see his kind eyes, the smile he gave me, the many thanks........ his blessing.

My heart is breaking that there is so much selfishness in this world today, So much unkindness for our fellow man.
What has happened to us that we do not take the time to help others, where did our caring go? Is there no compassion for our fellow man left? Do we not take responsibility any more????

I guess I am a little old fashioned and naive.....but this is how I was brought up...this is all I know. I am so grateful that I was taught to help others before myself. I was taught to give of myself to take time. I was taught to take care of the sick and needed...Do Parents not teach this any more????? Were others not taught this?????

I have rattled on enough I'm sure..... I know there are no answers for my own questions, and I really do not know what drives me to tell you all this right now...........

But for me, if I should see a poor soul in need of help, I shall think..this is someones child, I will see in there eyes and think to myself this is a living soul, "WHAT IF THIS WAS JESUS"?

But I will ask this of you my Friends, If you happen to think of it..... somewhere any where, any group, light a candle for a stranger, someone less fortunate then others, a nameless person, those without insight of mind, those who have lost heart and feel they are not important enough for others, for those who cannot come here with us,a stranger who we passed by today without hardly noticing them, that person who looks so lost, a soul you have seen or met..... THAT THEY WILL RECEIVE KINDNESS. We don't have to know a name, we just know they are. If you never see one or meet one during your day, light one for mine and the many more that I will see..

(NOTE TO SELF: Now isn't that silly Blue, We are all strangers! We have met, we are lighting candles..... but we have not seen excuse me friends....laughing at myself again... PLEASE GOD MAKE ME STOP DOING THIS)

I thank-you for reading my rattling, I feel such sadness for this event today, as I said i don't know what is driving me to do this, I just had to!!! Forgive me for taking so much of your time.

This has come to mind as well after I met this man. Something my Mother had said to me before she died. I leave it with you:

"WHERE YOU ARE NOW, I ONCE WAS....
WHERE I AM NOW YOU SOON WILL BE"

God Bless you dear Friends.
Blue

Post #: 1

RE: KINDNESS - 6/30/2007 1:45:05 PM

buttington

Posts: 2158
Joined: 6/9/2007
From: UK
Status: offline

Dear Blue,

What a kind brave person you are!! I'm not sure I could have done what you did even though I would probably have wanted to. I sure I would have been as irate and angry though.

But all the time I was reading your account I kept thinking how sad the people were who wouldn't or couldn't help. They and all like them also really need our prayers and compassion.

Copy Pierre Pradavand (The Gentle Art of Blessing) and try to bless those people you were so angry with. Because they appear not to care, they are to be pitied. How empty and low-opinioned of themselves they must be, that they can't feel pity for others. Maybe they are afraid? After all, there but for the grace etc. We like to sweep unpleasant things under our noses right under the carpet, out of sight, out of mind. Maybe they just are overworked.

Injustice has been an issue of mine since childhood, but you try to do something about it. I might write letters to newspapers and members of Parliament, but, like your colleagues, would think twice about being hands-on.

Bless those people in their compassion. See what happens!

Love J

_____________________________

Love is the only way

Post #: 2

RE: KINDNESS - 6/30/2007 2:36:24 PM

Vicky

Posts: 362
Joined: 6/24/2007
Status: offline

Blue
You are a special precious person. The world is a much better place because of you. Bless you! You are a better person than me. I am not so sure that I would have taken the time that you did to help the man. I am sure that he appreciated everything you did for him. You should be the BOSS, your boss sounds very selfish.

_____________________________

With Hope each of us can have a life with Peace, Faith and Love.

Post #: 3

RE: KINDNESS - 6/30/2007 2:57:08 PM

Hildegard

Posts: 2651
Joined: 8/30/2006
From: Chicago
Status: online

Dear Blue, I am sorry about your painful and frustrating experience. I know whereof you are talking. I worked for 14 years in City Health Department Clinics. I always spoke up for patients which did not please everybody. There are some very caring, wonderful people and others for whom their job is just a job. Some bring their personal problems to work and are preoccupied, others are burnt out or tired. Some felt that my going out for my patients made them look bad, that I was just a goody-two-shoe. Others respected what I did even when they did not openly say so. You went out on a limb for this troubled man for which you should be commended. I knew that I was not in control of what others did and that all I could do was what I thought was right. It is painful when one is not supported. Those who don't seem to care need our prayers. They are usually rather unhappy people. We can help them by being kind to them and influence them by our example. I remember one nurse who brought her family problems to work and was not very kind to patients. At Christmas in that clinic we exchanged gifts. I heard her saying that she needed a certain kitchen utensil. I wrapped up what she needed and gave it to her the next day. She was really touched by this gesture and became a lot nicer, at least to me!
So, hang in there, do what is right and don't let others determine how you act. You can be at peace.
I know it is easier said than done not to let others get us down, but it is worth the effort!
With every good wish,
Edda

_____________________________

Peace and joy!

Post #: 4

RE: KINDNESS - 6/30/2007 4:56:52 PM

Bluemoon

Posts: 164
Joined: 4/22/2007
Status: offline

WOW!!!
I knew here I would find wisdom and food for thought.My heart is a little lighter now.........

Thank-you again,EDDA and JUDITH, you both knocked my socks off on that one. How right you are, I had not thought of it the way you put it. Maybe the Man was the blessed one, and it is my co-workers who really need the pity and prayers. EXCELLENT advise!!!

I still cannot help to feel for this man, but I will try hard to pray and change my way of thinking about my co-workers, and you are right Edda, easier said then done. I will try to put my disgust away!!!

Judith, I will look up Pierre Pradavand (The Gentle Art of Blessing), heaven knows I need all the help I can get, thank-you.

Dear Vicki, Thank-you for your kind thoughts and words, I will take your blessing, as for the boss, No thank-you!!! You are so sweet to say that. I try really hard to think ALL are special and precious, I just have to work on my thoughts of my co-workers!! (laughing at my self again).

Thank-you Edda, Judith and Vicki, for opening my eyes, I can now see I really need to work on that.
God Bless you all, and have a peaceful day,
Sending you many hugs and love.
Blue

PS: I'm trying to get my socks back on!!.

Post #: 5

RE: KINDNESS - 6/30/2007 5:23:18 PM

buttington

Posts: 2158
Joined: 6/9/2007
From: UK
Status: offline

You see........the man you showed such love and concern for was really a gift to you wrapped up in the form of someone in need.

I'm glad you see things a bit different now - that's what this website is all about. Thank you too for your many candles and prayers and lovely messages.
My spiritual teacher passed on to me many wise words, but these stand out, "Giving and receiving are the same."

Love J

_____________________________

Love is the only way

Post #: 6

RE: KINDNESS - 6/30/2007 10:54:50 PM

Hildegard

Posts: 2651
Joined: 8/30/2006
From: Chicago
Status: online

Dear Blue, I hope you got your socks back on! I love your sense of humor!!
What it all comes down to - we can't change others, but we can change how we respond to them. Often this will change how they act.

Have a great Sunday,

Lots of love, Edda

_____________________________

Peace and joy!

Post #: 7

RE: KINDNESS - 7/1/2007 12:54:05 AM

Emil

Posts: 285
Joined: 4/4/2007
From: Rosenberg, TX
Status: offline

Dear Blue: I hope as you read this that you're not still down. You sent the man away with a certain amount of satisfaction and re-assurance. And you were blessed. I have always considered the blessings of what the world considers "lowly" true blessings indeed; they are the children of God.

I'll light a candle for your friend under JESUS.

With love,
Emil

Post #: 8

RE: KINDNESS - 7/1/2007 2:53:13 PM

Bluemoon

Posts: 164
Joined: 4/22/2007
Status: offline

Dear Friend Emil,
You have truly made my Sunday so much better. (now your making me smile) I thank-you on behalf of my man at work he really does need thoughts and candles. I feel so honored to cross paths with him as I still see and feel those eyes of his so gentle. God Bless you Emil and thank-you so much for your thoughts.
Sending you smiles

,
Blue

PS. My spirit is up!!!!!

Post #: 9

RE: KINDNESS - 7/1/2007 2:58:10 PM

Bluemoon

Posts: 164
Joined: 4/22/2007
Status: offline

Hello Edda,

REPORT: MY SOCKS ARE BACK ON!!!

You are so right, I do not want to change others but I'm really biting my tounge! However In the future when I bite my tounge....................I'll do it with a smile!

Thanks so much,
Hope you are having a blessed Sunday.
Sending you much love,
Blue (with socks)

Post #: 10

RE: KINDNESS - 7/4/2007 6:51:01 PM

china34doll

Posts: 94
Joined: 6/22/2007
Status: offline

Hi Blue;I really admired you for what you did for this man,it's what I would have done also but I don't have as much clout as you had but my big mouth doe's a great job when applied properly.You mentioned don't parents teach compassion any more(?)I think so,but mainly human compassion is instinct not taught or learned don't you think ? my mother was angry,selfish and didn't care who she stole from as long as it kept her from having to work and support nine kids it was ok with her,but in the same token I was the opposite of her,I find that human compassion is far fetched;I try now to donate my entire time to animals as they are becoming lesser and lesser every day,it's their sad faces that really break my heart.God bless you for being so good to another human being............
(Quote) !
Never give any thing of your self with expectations of any strings attatched.That was my mistake

Post #: 11

RE: KINDNESS - 7/4/2007 8:24:28 PM

china34doll

Posts: 94
Joined: 6/22/2007
Status: offline

Well here I am again lost;But I continue to light candles for every one weather healthy,ailing or many other issues that may affect us. May the light shine on you always.Be safe God bless.

Post #: 12

RE: KINDNESS - 7/5/2007 11:42:27 AM

Star5776

Posts: 193
Joined: 6/11/2007
Status: offline

Blue, you are amazing. May simple acts of love flood your life and may your light shine out over the world. Your love and kind acts will move others who block love from their eyes. Keep shining your light and just wait and see!!

Praying for more joy to come into your life today.

Post #: 13

RE: KINDNESS - 7/5/2007 6:55:48 PM

arows1faith

Posts: 164
Joined: 6/7/2007
Status: offline

Blue:
Wow, O'migosh, eureka, and all the other words of surprise and delight! I'm so proud of you! This man, obviously in a worse-case-scenario, had the simplest of needs. He needed to feel like a recognized individual, not one of the 'faces' that one walks right by everyday. He needed to feel noticed and concerned for. Too often, when we do not feel 'valuable' to others, we let our demons in; the anger, the fear. Your kind act told him "I care" "You are not unimportant." That's a very beautiful thing to convey and it is so empowering to the individual hearing it.

As far as the co-workers go... The best advice I can give on this is to lead by example. The same way I'm gently encouraging my roommates to recycle. I don't condemn anyone in the house for not recycling; that would just be rude! But, I'm quick to encourage them to leave recyclables on the counter - I'll take care of them. And don't you know, I've caught one of my roommates (several times, now) tucking recyclables into the recycling can. When the subject comes up I illustrate how recycling is so important with facts and simple common sense. I make an honest effort to not down-talk non-recyclers and stress this point: 'I know I can't recycle the world. But that does not negate my responsibility to this Earth. The little bit I can do helps.' You don't need to tell your co-workers that this man should be important to them, but you can tell them about the wonderful feeling that you enjoyed by reasurring him, comforting him, listening to him. Show them why it's worthwhile. Truth of it is... everyone wants to get in on a good thing. Show your cold co-workers how this is a good thing and you won't be able to fight them off.

I'm so very proud of you!!!!

In your own way, you're bringing beauty to this world. I'm blessed in having crossed paths with you. Thank-you for being so wonderful! (I knew you'd start believing it!)

_____________________________

The Goddess is alive and there is magick afoot.
Arow Blackdragon
Valley of the Kings

Post #: 14

RE: KINDNESS - 7/7/2007 4:02:44 AM

Bluemoon

Posts: 164
Joined: 4/22/2007
Status: offline

Hello, China,
Thank-you for your admiration, but please I only did what was right. I might agree with you to a point. You are unique that you were able to learn right from wrong. I am so sorry your mother did not leave better memories for you. That breaks my heart.No child of God's should be tested that way. But was this instinct or a learned lesson from many years ago? Somewhere along the line you learned right from wrong. You chose RIGHT.
Yes I do believe that human compassion can be instinct, but I also believe that it is up to a parent to tap into this with a young child and nurture it. It is by a parents example of kindness and compassion that our INSTINCT will take us and help us grow.It is by a structure and influence,ie, Parenting, Family values, Faith, boys and girls clubs positive influences, acts of kindness and compassion etc that help us to grow.Even today I remember the lessons of respect, from my parents and still put that knowledge to good use, it is WITHIN ME just as the color of my eyes, the resemblance of my parents. ie the above saga of my day. The lessons I learned are as events in my childhood. And believe me I had events!!!! I was well acquainted with the corner of our living room!
As for animals, I too love animals, there face can break your heart and I support wholeheartedly the animal kingdom. However, for me my fellow human being MUST come first. My driving instructor taught me a valuable lesson while driving ......only two choices. do you hit the animal or do you hit the human being?
I admire that you have found happiness and spend time with the animals, they need a good human like you. But please do not give up on the humans, Maybe just a little time for them too??? Have you looked into the face of a very ill person? Have you looked into the face of a person that has come to the end of life? Have you seen a child that has suffered from a great illness??? I beg you, no I challenge you to please take one day of your time from the animals and go to a children's hospital.. look into there faces, Visit a retirement community, assisted living and please look into there faces, there eyes. I promise you it will be a day well worth it both for them and for you.
You and I have both shared some deep thoughts here. There are no strings here but I am attaching a hug to you China. Take care and God Bless you.
Blue

Post #: 15

RE: KINDNESS - 7/7/2007 4:27:05 AM

Bluemoon

Posts: 164
Joined: 4/22/2007
Status: offline

Star, Thank-you for your comments I have had a few days to reflect on all that has been said here. It is not me that is amazing, but the Man that brought to us wonderful thoughts, prayers and very good advise from all, he is the one who is amazing. I am truly grateful that so many have thought of him and others like him.And I have learned and grown as well!!! There are many lights here, and I'm so truly blessed to be in the shadow of all.
God Bless you Star and may he fill your life with peace and happiness.
Blue

Post #: 16

RE: KINDNESS - 7/7/2007 5:28:49 AM

Bluemoon

Posts: 164
Joined: 4/22/2007
Status: offline

AROW!!!!!
You are silly!!! You make me laugh! "O'migosh" did i just say that? "WOW"
If I can stop laughing........Thank-you so much Arow for your lovely comments, you are making me not only laugh but blushing too! "Eureka!!!!
I have to agree with you and others, "lead by example" Bite my tongue but with a "SMILE" and try hard not to judge, and give the benefit of doubt.
But it just breaks my heart to see this in todays world. But again your right " The little bit I can do helps.' I can't change the world, but maybe I can make a small difference in my world!!! I will always be there for the souls that cannot speak up, my heart will always be theres. And I will pity the ones who cannot do the same. I think my co-workers missed out on a chance to brighten there day!!!

The best thing here for me is the support that you and others have given me. I'm more peaceful about this subject, but again my heart is still sad that so many are neglected, and I'm just tired of seeing how indifferent people are and there behavior toward others!!!

But have no fear Arow, the kneepads are on and I will just keep trying!!! Never give up!!!

Thank-you again Arow for your thoughts, YOU have brightened my day!!!!
Sending you's and hugs,
Blue

PS: Might make you happy.....I DO RECYCLE!!!!!!!! "WOO HOO"

Post #: 17

RE: KINDNESS - 7/7/2007 7:41:06 AM

buttington

Posts: 2158
Joined: 6/9/2007
From: UK
Status: offline

Dear Blue,
this has become a really exciting thread! Some good things are happening here.

Not only is that unknown man been your teacher, he is a teacher for all of us, and also your colleagues.

While reading your message a distant memory popped up for me. I am no longer a church-goer, but years ago while having preparation lessons before becoming a catholic, my parish priest said something which has remained with me.

"You reach more people by the example of how you live than by trying to preach to them."

You are a positive example for everyone who works with you. One of them might be influenced by your compassion and decide they need to change their attitude. If only one person notices, that's enough. You change one person and they, in turn, change another, and so on and so on.

Try to feel compassion for the ones who can't see it yet.

Nothing happens by chance and there are no coincidences. This event was meant to happen to you.

Lots of Love, keep 'pluggin' J

_____________________________

Love is the only way

Post #: 18

RE: KINDNESS - 7/7/2007 1:34:49 PM

Bluemoon

Posts: 164
Joined: 4/22/2007
Status: offline

Dear Judith,
I couldn't agree with you more! I too have been thinking about this thought provoking topic. Its wonderful the different points of view. All wise and good.
The haunting of the mans eyes, I have wondered... Was I looking at the eyes of God? If only my dear Man knew what he started. It only makes him more endearing to me.He has been a teacher for me and a blessing too. I know he will be back some day. I can't wait to see him. If only to just smile and ask him how he is will make my day!
So many here have helped me open my eyes and heart a little more then it was. I have always tried to lead by example. But I must admit I'm flawed as while I do keep my mouth shut and bite my tongue. My face reveals my inner feelings. note to self: Keep working on that!
I will share with you after reading so many comments. I did go back to work and apologized to all I talked to in reference to this man. I have to admit, the expressions on there faces was that of dumbfounded and I think I detected a bit of shame too. So I must have perceived your advise. No preaching, just an apology and a simple explanation of the situation. The rest was taken care of by there own hearts. So I still have hope for my co-workers!!
Thank-you so much for your advise too. I am so grateful that I was able to come here and "VENT" my heart. All have been so kind and understanding. I agree this event WAS MEANT FOR ME. Many lessons have been learned here. And hopefully more to come. Lets see how well I do my home work!!!!
I'm not giving up yet!!!
Have a great weekend Judith, and God Bless
Blue

Post #: 19

RE: KINDNESS - 7/7/2007 5:24:45 PM

Star5776

Posts: 193
Joined: 6/11/2007
Status: offline

Dear Blue, your thread gives me much peace when I open this....may this peace return to you ten fold!!!

Post #: 20