copyright - 2011 Betsy L. Angert.
copyright - 2011 Betsy L. Angert. Empathy And Education; BeThink or BeThink.org
This year, Christmas and New Years Days were days of intense reflection. Perchance, that is true every year and for every individual. I cannot know what is true for others. I am only certain that I experienced each of these dates as a rigorous course of study. My gifts or the curriculum came wrapped in a routine event.
The lessons covered were Empathy and Education, although perhaps these were presented in reverse order. Possibly, the truer program was entropy and encouragement. Each edifies. I wonder; on each of the two days these topics were intertwined. In my attempt to analyze and understand what I needed to learn or did, I invite your assessments. Please indulge me as I share the story.
Each was a sunny Saturday. On neither of the dates, December 25, 2010 or January 1, 2011, was I locked in a classroom. Nor did I enter a library, a lecture hall, or school. Indeed, no walls surrounded me. I was as I am every Saturday of the year, with one exception, at the "Peace Corner." The name was given to the intersection of two major highways in my local community years ago. Then, people came out weekly to stand vigil for global harmony. That time was long ago, and far, far, far away.
In the last thirteen months or so, more often than not, I appear at the crossroads alone. My constant companions are my thoughts and signs. One sign is but the index and middle fingers held high in a gesture of peace. The other is a single poster that reads "Love! Not War. Love!"
On occasion, one or two other persons also grace the Peace Corner. However, if either of these individuals appears, they and I do not stand together. Hence, regardless of the Saturday, I place me, myself, and I on the Northwest side of the streets. I have no desire to engage in conversation with another activist. I only wish to connect with passer-bys. Eye contact with drivers and walkers is all I need.
At times, someone approaches me from the street. Others offer opportunities to share as they travel down the sidewalk. I am open to learn from these chance encounters. Admittedly, I cannot be sure what will be said, done, thought, before or after an exchange. I can only accept that I will be touched, intrigued, quiz, and question for myself, what does it all mean.
Christmas Day, or the date customarily adopted in America as the holy day, gave gifts I have yet to comprehend. In 2010, the streets were bare. Nary an automobile was in site. Egrets were everywhere. I pondered. Might these lovely white birds anxiously await the celebration each December. The quiet calm truly captured my attention and theirs. The lovely herons swooped and dove gracefully through the air. When an occasional automobile appeared on the scene, stopped as required by a red directional signal, uncharacteristically, the two-legged winged animals perched themselves atop the metallic being for the minutes of immobility.
I have never seen the Egrets more enthusiast, energetic, and serene. The dance these creatures did was well orchestrated, I felt as though I had been given front-row seats to a theatre production meant only for the privileged few. That is, until the silence was broken.
On this Christmas Saturday, as pious people prayed in churches, or gathered together with loved ones a man sped through the intersection. Upon seeing my signs, or the little person I am, he screamed. "F**k You!" Yes. Whilst the religious recognized a devout devotion to the deity donned the Lord, this grateful gent appreciated the chance to vent. I can only speculate. In what way did my presence, my message or I, offend his sensibility. What was stirred within him? Likely, I will never know.
A pedestrian, a far gentler soul voiced his view of the occurrence. With a knowing smile, the man who stood within inches of me moments later said of the other, "He's just stu**d." Since I think no one can be characterized in such a manner, this answer did not satisfy my curiosity. Nor did it suffice. However, I cannot imagine that I might be granted an opening to ask the aggressor what disturbed him so. I do not envision a day when we might meet. I have faith divine intervention is a possibility. I will not hold my breath.
The day went on. Once this person passed the tranquility of the day returned. Fascinating to me, people were less receptive to my presence than they are normally, on every other Saturday. In a time thought to define "Peace on Earth" and "Goodwill to all men," there was little shown to my signs or me. Having been at the Peace Corner for sooooooooo many years, I thought this was truly odd. Why might it be that more kindness and care is shown on days that do not honor Christ's birth? Entropy? I have my theories, although I rather hear yours.
If you would, please consider what I think might be a lesson presented in tandem. Today.
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