I had a somewhat embarrassing lesson that I learned the other day that gave me much fodder for contemplation, thought I would share.
SO I was returning back from work and had to stop over at a Dunkin Donuts to use the restroom. A long car ride and lots of water had necessitated this much needed stop. Feeling quite content, I was heading to the door, when I noticed a man ahead of me on crutches with only one leg and holding a coffee cup. he had opened the door and was balancing the door, the crutches and his cup. I was right behind him.
I dived at the opportunity to help this man, so I said loudly “ I got the door” and proceeded without hesitation to open the door further for him to give him a wider birth to exit. He rocked off balance for an instant as if caught by surprise but braced himself as his muscles were presumably well trained to do so.
And then he said “ you nearly made me fall over”. I was taken back. Perhaps just prior to aiding him I was feeling prideful for doing a good deed, and then instantly I was humbled by his response. I apologized and went to my car and sat pondering what had transpired. Two things came up for me.
Firstly the fact that if the motivation for doing something is pride and praise , then the universe will humble us synchronously to keep us authentic and remind us of our integrity. This was a beautiful act of the universe to help me with this lesson.
The second lesson was much deeper. Just because we see someone that in our perception appears to need help, it does not necessarily mean we leap at the opportunity. How do we know whether the person is experiencing their apparent sorrowful situation as this is part of their own soul lesson to be explored and our intervention is in fact hindering them or rather robbing them of their divine evolution.
In hindsight, which is always 20/20, I should have asked “ Can I provide assistance or do you need any help?” And if his answer was yes then I could have rendered it, but if no, then I would have allowed him to carry on, with perceived struggles and all.
The problem is that we, and especially me in this scenario, are not patient enough to see the bigger picture. We cannot separate the forest from the trees and truly observe the cosmic dance from an angelic perspective. Another derivative was the offering to be more aware and patient.
I am in gratitude for this experience and the learning that took place. I am also in gratitude for this man who gave me the opportunity to pause and reflect on my actions.
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I love you
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