I knew the first time I met him that he was "different".
He was an awkward fourteen year old. Typical teen, all tall and gangly...with those alarmingly large puppy like feet.
He was endearing and sweet and when he moved into our neighborhood, we welcomed him into our home.
Now the boy doesn't live with his biological family. He lives with his "caregiver".
She's an interesting woman. I like her because she is as kind as she is earthy.
Some people don't care for her because she is lesbian and worships in a New Age kind of way. For me, those little details are a part of what make her such an interesting woman. But then, I'm less interested in who she loves, than I am in celebrating that she is vulnerable and open to loving in the first place.
Anyhow, the boy is "special"; which is a euphemism for retarded.
When the boy comes to our home, we understand that he processes information differently than we do. We understand that he has certain limitations. And the strange thing is, none of that matters. In our home, he's just another wonderful kid who loves karate, Star Wars and pizza!
We don't really see the differences. Instead, we enjoy the boy's capacity to love and to connect. We experience the boy's joy in being with us, his friends. We hear his laughter and we love him for who he is, not for what he isn't.
Not everyone in our neighborhood treats the boy this way. Some people judge the boy, just like they judge the woman who loves and cares for him.
It's a challenge isn't it? To love people who are different from ourselves?
I know that I personally would have a harder time loving a gun toting, Bush loving, pro war neighbor.
But you know what?
I think I would try. I would try to connect, to care and to love.
I don't think this makes me special; but I can tell you this. My children see me trying to love well, and this inspires them to do the same.
If you care about making this world a better place, begin by loving your neighbors.
Love truly is the gift that keeps on giving.
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I can relate. See I'm surrounded by folks who tote guns, HATE President Bush, and are split down the middle regarding the war. I am a supporter of the President, but I supported Clinton as well. In support I pray for him everyday (just as I did Clinton) and even when his decisions don't coincide with what I believe, I support him as our commander in chief. In my area that makes me pretty lonely and outnumbered 10 to 1. If you have a Bush sticker on your car or in front of your house (during the election) it's more than likely going to be a target of vandalism. When folks are ruled by hate rather than love, even for a political ideal, they are going to very unChristlike. To hate anyone, including the president is not a good witness.
I'm finding more and more that denominations don't mean anything. It's the heart that counts. Love your neighbor means love your neighbor....even if you think he's a moron because of what he believes or doesn't believe....for whom he supports or doesn't support. Truly love is the answer. I'm very proud of you Jerri. Very proud indeed. :-) James
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