With Those Who Rejoice

Ignatian Retreat, last May

Happy Summer Solstice to all! Summer is finally officially upon us.

Last week while I was at work at the thrift store I saw something really touching. A teenage girl and her mom were shopping with us, and after trying on some clothes and getting ready to leave, they realized that the girl did not have her cellular phone with her. The girl had just graduated from high school the other day, and the phone had all of her graduation money clipped in with the case. She and her mom searched the dressing rooms and the rest of the store frantically, even shouting throughout the store that they were looking for a phone - but it never showed up.

Nearing tears and surrounded by other uneasy shoppers, the girl and her mom were prepared to cut their losses and head out. It was then that an elderly woman approached the girl and said "Sweetheart, I just feel so bad for you, so here you go." She handed her a wad of cash.

Well, that just about did it for the girl. She burst into tears and 'thank yous,' overcome with the generosity of this stranger, who (judging by her patronage at a local thrift shop) probably didn't have much money herself. Other shoppers, including one of our volunteers, followed suit and slipped the girl whatever they could give, as an extra graduation gift.

I was so surprised at the kindness of the customers, and at the same time, I was slightly ashamed of myself and my own indifference to the situation. When I heard that a customer had lost something in our store, my first selfish thought was 'I hope it wasn't the fault of one of the staff.' Then when I realized it was just some teenager who had misplaced her phone and some cash, I slightly pitied her, but mostly I felt downright inconvenienced! But when I saw the outpouring that the other customers showed this girl, and how much it meant to her and her mom, I was able to see through less alienating eyes. All of those qualifiers and judgment calls I tried to throw at the situation melted away, and she turned into a person who had lost something that meant a lot to her. And I could at least relate to that. Solidarity.

Incidents like that make me realize what a special place I'm in, and remind me to be open to learn from the kindness of strangers. And believe me, I could learn a lot from them.



Speaking of kindness, I had a really nice piece of scripture to work with this week at Spiritual Direction. I thought I would share it here.

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:9-21 (New American Standard)