A Lesson in Love

I don't know why I suddenly feel the need to share this, but I do feel now necessary to relate this story to those few who read my blogs, I guess to show that I do actually have a frail, broken human side in spite of my many blogs on 'deeper' theology.

It was my first semester at USC, fall 2008. It was an overcast day, much as it is right now, and I had just gotten out of my first Chemistry exam here at the University. I had done poorly and was worried about my grade. This was of course back before I stopped caring... Anyway, I was heading toward my next class in the Engineering building, feeling really down in the dump. I wasn't paying attention to anything but my own failings and shortcomings, preferring to look at my feet as I walked to avoid thinking about anything but my foul up. Just then, a hand belonging to someone walking up the hill against me, reached out and touched my shoulder so as to get my attention. Startled out of my reprieve I looked up to see a poorly kept man with a scraggly beard, tattered clothes and the odor of garbage. Immediately I forgot my own problems, and thought 'Damnit! It's another hobo wanting my money'. Far from it, the man, who appeared to be in excellent spirit said "Hey! Don't look so sad, it always turns out okay" and walked away.

That poor hobo who didn't own much of anything in this world, who had to beg to get anything and suffer the contempt of everyone, including myself, was selfless in a way that I am not. He looked past his own situation to see someone else who was in pain, and did what he could to comfort them...to comfort me. And I, who am being sent to college by scholarships and my parents' money, who has been given everything I have ever needed and so many things that I didn't, I judged him, and I found him guilty. I found him guilty and condemned him to suffer my contempt, the hatred and resentment of my heart, and yet he showed me love.

I can say that no great change came over me that day, sure I felt a little gratitude, and was in a little better mood afterward, but no great change came over me. I kept on with my life as always, ungrateful, and uncaring. Am I saying that I am now changed and live only to serve? Hardly. I am still frail and broken human in need of Grace, but I can say that thanks to that poor hobo, I have learned a valuable lesson in how to love my neighbor. It took me two years to realize the profoundness of the situation and fully appreciate it, but now that the tree has grown, I think its time to see some fruit.

You're right Mr. Hobo man, it does turn out alright, and I thank you.

Soli Deo Gloria