It is so difficult to be nice…
A true incident about a decade ago triggered the above…
First month in the Catholic Church we had picked out, a retired schoolteacher cornered, berated and disparaged me. It was especially shocking as, for the life of me, I didn’t know her. I subsequently learned that she had been a colleague of my older brother, also a schoolteacher, and the two have had issues. It was also interesting that this woman was a catechist, someone who teaches the Bible to children.
I touched her shoulder and said words to this effect, “You’re hurting and I’ll pray for you.”
A crowd had gathered by then and my wife, Lisa, gently led me away. Throughout that week, a thousand thoughts and emotions wrecked me.
My prospective godfather (Lisa and I had decided to embrace the Catholic faith and were journeying) suggested that I stay away from the woman. I made clear that, well-meaning though he might have been, perhaps he was mistaken.
Instead of avoiding her, I sought her out and wished upon her my “Peace”. I did that every Sunday I attended church and must admit that it was not at all easy. Especially back then, I managed people in 24 countries, was known as an “aggressive businessman” and did not suffer fools.
Her reactions ranged from cringing away, to glares and then to stiff smiles. Three months later, she broke down, hugged me and apologized. Now, she seeks me out for a hug.
I had turned the other cheek and felt HIS kiss.
Thank you for helping me to be nice 🙂
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This is a great story Eric. Good job on handling the woman, and thanks for sharing.
You’re very welcome Nifti.
Twelve years on, that woman still seeks me out for a hug. Worked out very well for all of us.
A couple of years ago I decided that my New Year’s Resolution had to be something more meaningful. I decided that my resolution for the year was to smile more. I made a decision to smile and engage with people more – strangers passing me in the park, the girl at the check out. I was surprised by how many people would walk past me and not exchange a smile however what was more significant was how many people did respond. It was lovely and I’ve kept this resolution running into 2012. I like the words you’ve chosen for this post Eric.
That is lovely. It enriches us so much, it is a wonder that more people don’t bring their smiles along…Now, your compliments put a smile on my face 🙂
How beautiful to find your words this morning… I’ve enjoyed reading your stories and messages of love and kindness…. I’m sharing you with my followers and honoring you with (another well-deserved!!!) Versatile Blogger Award! Here’s the official announcement: http://ihavetheperfectlife.com/2012/01/26/the-versatile-blogger-award/
~Ann
Congratulations, Ann.
This is an appropriate recognition for all your heartfelt efforts. Well done 🙂
You humble me with this award. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to pass it forward to deserving bloggers out there…we all need these shots to pick us up and keep going, in life as in blogging.
All good wishes,
Eric 🙂
Liked your poem and writing. It certainly is challenging to be nice to those who are not so nice to us. But I guess it says something about that in the Bible to the affect of: “Who are you to only love those you love. The greater challenge is to love your enemies.” And a great challenge that is. You certainly were up for it here in this story. Thanks for sharing it. Glad you got your well deserved and earned apology, too. Things don’t always work out that way. Take care. Sincerely, Connie PS Survived some bad Catholic experiences, too!
Dear Connie,
Thank you for your visit and comment.
Most Catholics are nice people but some (especially the ones who spew plenty about God’s love) are lost…and I reckon so too are some priests.
Peace, Eric
That is not at all an easy thing to do. It is good… it is correct, but it isn’t easy. Then again, I suppose few worthwhile things are particularly easy.
Thank you kilroy,
On hindsight, I reckon it was more a lesson for me. I hope I’ve learnt it well.
God bless, Eric
In a way it is a lesson for all of us. I mean that both in the sense of one I need to learn, and also of one we gain from your sharing the poem and story. So I should thank you.
Wow, what an amazing story to go along with this! it makes the little poem so much better to know the inspiration! What a beautifully inspiring story! Sigh, i must try to be more like you. i truly must.
Thank you for uplifting me with your words.
“…try to be more like you…” Hmmm…what a wonderful compliment.
I reckon you are already abundantly beautiful in HIS eyes.
Peace, Eric
I really needed to hear this story right about now. Thank you!
I am very pleased that the timing of this post has worked for you. I believe that we are never alone…how can we, when we have the Omnipresent One. Peace upon your days, Eric
Eric, bless you for ending this post on why we should be nice with these words:
“I had turned the other cheek and felt HIS kiss.”
We reward ourselves and lighten our own spirits and leave the gate open for others to come back to us when we are “nice.”
Very well said granbee.
There are blessings to be found in many situations…even in our pain. We just need to recognise HIS hand in it, I reckon. Peace, Eric
Eric,
I really like this post! Thanks for sharing this example of love and what it can do.
Frank
Hello and you’re very welcome, Frank.
God’s work is the easiest, I reckon. Not that it is ‘easy’ but because there are so many opportunities and most do not cost money or time.
Peace, Eric
Beautifully presented blog~an inspiration!
Thank you for this comment and also for subscribing. I’ve visited your blog and shall return to trawl through some more. Peace, Eric
A wonderful example written here about turning the other cheek.
A very good lesson for us all.
Blessings,
Isadora
Thank you Isadora for your kind words.
All of us are presented with opportunities to relish Him…
God bless, Eric
I like this very much, Eric.
Thank you very much, Peg
Have a great day ahead, Eric
Blessings on you dear brother, you are an example to us all. Love David.
Dear David, you honour me when you address me as ‘brother’. I will not forget this. All good wishes, brother. Eric
Thank you so much for sharing this, Eric. I loved this post a lot.
There are many people who can learn something from this.
Thank you again!
~ Sirenia ~
You are very welcome, Sirenia.
Peace, Eric
Eric you are lovely and this post shows loud and clear how compassionate you are….we are not in control of another soul’s behaviour but we can choose our reaction to it. It takes strength and calmness to rise above our own hurt emotions when our natural instinct is to run/hide/protect ourselves or in some cases lash out. Thank you for sharing this – love Jane x
Dear Jane,
You touch me with your sweet words. No matter how busy you are with your dailies, you take the time to stop by, read and post comments. I am blessed to have found buddies like you,
Luv and hugz
Eric
P/s If you ever get to Syria, give Aslan a great big hug from me.
Hello dear Eric
I know, from experience and even without this post, what a nice person you are. But what you did here, few of us, especially in the west, would do. I always wish I would be a nice person too, but I see now that it will take a lot more practice. As for so many things there doesn’t seem to be an easy way.
Love
Steph
My dear Steph,
Good morning and what lovely words. You spoil me through and through 🙂
I try to instill in my children that they should strive to be really free. That includes not letting another’s anger or bitterness influence their words and actions. Having said that, I thought it was pretty good advice for me too!
Luv and hugz,
Eric
Takes alot to transform bitterness. Or does it really? We only need a little perspective shift. Thanks for the reminder. Beautiful post. “i had turned the other cheek and felt HIS kiss”. 🙂
Quite often the greatest obstacle to overcoming another’s bitterness is our sense of righteousness and pride – I reckon.
That episode also taught me humility and I struggle everyday to practise it – yes, I need to practise, as it is quite unnatural for most including me.
All good wishes, Eric
lovely, you have nailed the truth
Thanks 🙂
I had a somewhat similar experience – I confronted my superior who had bad mouthed a couple, almost ruining that couple’s relationship. My superior (a woman) became furious and defensive. I did not try to be nice but I wanted to be cheeky and sought her out everytime. After 2 months, she gave up avoiding me and we got back on civil terms again just before I left the company. Whatever the motive, as long as we feel right for being nice, then it must be correct.
Dear Jasey,
Thank you for your visit and comment. When we are nice, difficult to go wrong.
Peace, Eric
What a wonderful post, Eric! It takes a special, sensitive person to return bitterness with kindness. The kind of person I believe we are called upon to be. (I need to work on this).
Thank you for your sweet words.
My challenge is to keep on doing this and let this not be a flash-in-the-pan.
God bless, Eric