Karma

I never got his name.  I had climbed into a taxi for the short ride from Suntec to Mount Sophia.  We witness a rude act of selfishness followed almost immediately by an unrelated act of unmerited kindness. The first was an ugly story forced on someone.  The second reminded us of the depth of kindness that exists within.
“I believe it is important to do good things for others without the need to be paid.”“I agree.  It is a good way to maintain improve your karma.”“Call it what you like; karma, fortune, life, relationships, or simple cause and effect, the point is that doing something nice for another is a part of living.  It is an art that seems to be increasingly lost.  It simply makes you feel good!”
Stories flowed for the rest of the trip.  Some were successful acts of helping another.  Others were funny stories of offering help and being refused.  Still others told a how a simple act of kindness can be viewed from another perspective.
I walked away energized.  Here was an individual who had to work hard to make a living, one four-dollar ride at a time.  In the midst of it all, he enjoyed living, giving free gifts of kindness, and making a difference for one individual at a time. 
I wonder which side of me is real.  Am I the arrogant one, thinking I am a god above all others?  Or am I a taxi driver, reaching out, enjoying live, and giving mercy to those in need?
The first is ugly.  At its heart is anger and self.  Candidly, in this instance we will reap the fruit of our actions.  God reminds us often that “I've passed it [anger] over to your abusers to drink, those who ordered you, ‘Down on the ground so we can walk all over you!’  And you had to do it.  Flat on the ground, you were the dirt under their feet.”  (Isaiah 51.23) 
The second is beautiful, wonderful, and hope filled.  I will fill my soul with this today.